adj
unsavory
uhn-SAYV-uhr-ee
Unsavory (adj) means Morally distasteful or disreputable. Example: “He had ties to some unsavory characters from his past.”
adj
1
Morally distasteful or disreputable.
"He had ties to some unsavory characters from his past."
"Rumours swirled about the company's unsavory business practices."
2
Unpleasant to taste or smell.
"The bland, unsavory stew was barely edible."
"An unsavory odour drifted from the kitchen."
How to use unsavory
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDistasteful — usually describing shady people or dealings, sometimes literally bad-tasting food.
Common pairings
unsavory character
unsavory reputation
unsavory business
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more unsavory
- Superlative
- most unsavory
Fill the gap
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He had ties to some _____ characters from his past.
Etymology
From un- ("not") plus savory, "having a pleasant taste."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unsavory
See all rhymes for unsavory →Frequently asked questions
What does “unsavory” mean?
The word “unsavory” means morally distasteful or disreputable. In plain terms, distasteful — usually describing shady people or dealings, sometimes literally bad-tasting food.
How do you pronounce “unsavory”?
“Unsavory” is pronounced uhn-SAYV-uhr-ee (/ʌnˈseɪv.əɹ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “unsavory” in a sentence?
Here is “unsavory” used in a sentence: “He had ties to some unsavory characters from his past.”
What part of speech is “unsavory”?
“Unsavory” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “unsavory” have?
“Unsavory” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: morally distasteful or disreputable.
