Unenviable

usgb/ʌnˈenviəbl/
adjective

Not desirable or pleasant; difficult or hard to deal with.

She was given the unenviable task of telling the employees about the layoffs.
Visual representation of "unenviable" - Not desirable or pleasant; difficult or hard to deal with

Often appears as...

  • unenviable task
  • unenviable position
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "unenviable"
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Negative Context

Often used when a situation is tough or thankless, suggesting no one would want it.

Illustration for Negative Context
He faced the unenviable challenge of climbing the mountain in bad weather.
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Sympathy or Pity

Can show sympathy towards someone who has to deal with a bad situation.

Illustration for Sympathy or Pity
With an unenviable amount of work ahead, she truly deserves our sympathy.
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Signaling Respect

May express respect for someone taking on a hard role despite its disadvantages.

Illustration for Signaling Respect
He has the unenviable job of negotiating with the protesters.
Word comparison image

Compare with

appealburdensomedesirabledifficultdisadvantageouspleasantpopularthankless
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Visual representation of the word "Unenviable"

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