Untoward
adjective
Unexpected and not convenient or inappropriate.
He made an untoward comment about her appearance that made her feel uncomfortable.
adjective
Unfortunate or bad.
The picnic was ruined by an untoward turn of the weather.
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Unexpected and not convenient or inappropriate.
He made an untoward comment about her appearance that made her feel uncomfortable.
adjective
Unfortunate or bad.
The picnic was ruined by an untoward turn of the weather.
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Social Sensitivity
Use 'untoward' to discreetly describe actions or words that may offend.
His untoward language during the meeting was noted by all.
Pro Tip 2/3Context of Surprise
'Untoward' often implies an element of surprise in an inconvenient situation.
Her untoward remark about the boss's policy caught everyone off-guard.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Using 'untoward' gives a negative feeling to the action or event being described.
There was nothing untoward about his conduct at the party.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Sensitivity
Use 'untoward' to discreetly describe actions or words that may offend.
His untoward language during the meeting was noted by all.
Pro Tip 2/3Context of Surprise
'Untoward' often implies an element of surprise in an inconvenient situation.
Her untoward remark about the boss's policy caught everyone off-guard.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Using 'untoward' gives a negative feeling to the action or event being described.
There was nothing untoward about his conduct at the party.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Sensitivity
Use 'untoward' to discreetly describe actions or words that may offend.
His untoward language during the meeting was noted by all.
Pro Tip 2/3Context of Surprise
'Untoward' often implies an element of surprise in an inconvenient situation.
Her untoward remark about the boss's policy caught everyone off-guard.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
Using 'untoward' gives a negative feeling to the action or event being described.
There was nothing untoward about his conduct at the party.
Compare with
adverseanticipatedifficultexpectinconvenienttroublesomeunforeseenunfortunate
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Video examples
Safari Live - Day 129 PIPE...
lick the wounds it wasn't received very well because it was very painful but they were still willing to do it and it'll probably happen but it it looked very very painful that I to me I figure you thought so too at the time but I'm not sure that's nothing untoward has happened to it and it'll be fine it's
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 129 PIPE...
lick the wounds it wasn't received very well because it was very painful but they were still willing to do it and it'll probably happen but it it looked very very painful that I to me I figure you thought so too at the time but I'm not sure that's nothing untoward has happened to it and it'll be fine it's
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Lydia Hearst
American Model
If somebody were to feel the necessity to reduce themselves to a desperate state to achieve what they perceive to be their goals in life, people who work in fashion, who are models or photographers, shouldn't be judged because of untoward acts of others. As the saying goes, it takes two to tango.
Quote examples
Mary H.K. Choi
South Korean Author
Nothing is more untoward than a grown man tasking another with snapping a pic expressly so he can 'flex the 'fit.' It's tacky -self-aggrandizing - and speaks to an existential neediness typically reserved for failed actresses and phenomenally successful rappers.
Quote examples
Richard Jefferies
English Writer
The old Greeks dwelt on the tendency of human affairs to drift downwards irresistibly to unhappiness. Guilt - that is, untoward and often involuntary actions - pulls generation after generation heavily as lead down, down, down.
Quote examples
Bruce Forsyth
English Entertainer
I've always been a family entertainer. Every show I have done has been suitable for any age - parents never need to worry that, if they pop out of the room, I'll say anything untoward.
Quote examples
Nagma
Indian Politician
I have my private security and they can look after me, but who will control the crowd? We are witnessing huge crowds during campaigning. If something untoward happens, then what?
Quote examples
Mohammad Amir
Pakistani Athlete
I have toured New Zealand before and know they love the game, and they are so caring and loving, so I don't expect anything untoward from them.
Quote examples
Hal Sparks
American Actor
Other kids would sneak out of the house to go to parties and do untoward things. I was sneaking out to do standup downtown. It paid off.
Quote examples
Debra Granik
American Director
In documentary, mostly, people are going to say untoward things; people are going to have gnarly beliefs. People aren't perfect.
Quote examples
Anne McCaffrey
American Author
I have a shelf of comfort books, which I read when the world closes in on me or something untoward happens.
Quote examples
Nushrat Bharucha
Indian Actress
One should be alert and know how to defend oneself in case something untoward happens.
Quote examples
Lydia Hearst
American Model
If somebody were to feel the necessity to reduce themselves to a desperate state to achieve what they perceive to be their goals in life, people who work in fashion, who are models or photographers, shouldn't be judged because of untoward acts of others. As the saying goes, it takes two to tango.
Quote examples
Mary H.K. Choi
South Korean Author
Nothing is more untoward than a grown man tasking another with snapping a pic expressly so he can 'flex the 'fit.' It's tacky -self-aggrandizing - and speaks to an existential neediness typically reserved for failed actresses and phenomenally successful rappers.
Quote examples
Richard Jefferies
English Writer
The old Greeks dwelt on the tendency of human affairs to drift downwards irresistibly to unhappiness. Guilt - that is, untoward and often involuntary actions - pulls generation after generation heavily as lead down, down, down.
Quote examples
Bruce Forsyth
English Entertainer
I've always been a family entertainer. Every show I have done has been suitable for any age - parents never need to worry that, if they pop out of the room, I'll say anything untoward.
Quote examples
Nagma
Indian Politician
I have my private security and they can look after me, but who will control the crowd? We are witnessing huge crowds during campaigning. If something untoward happens, then what?
Quote examples
Mohammad Amir
Pakistani Athlete
I have toured New Zealand before and know they love the game, and they are so caring and loving, so I don't expect anything untoward from them.
Quote examples
Hal Sparks
American Actor
Other kids would sneak out of the house to go to parties and do untoward things. I was sneaking out to do standup downtown. It paid off.
Quote examples
Debra Granik
American Director
In documentary, mostly, people are going to say untoward things; people are going to have gnarly beliefs. People aren't perfect.
Quote examples
Anne McCaffrey
American Author
I have a shelf of comfort books, which I read when the world closes in on me or something untoward happens.
Quote examples
Nushrat Bharucha
Indian Actress
One should be alert and know how to defend oneself in case something untoward happens.
Example 1 of 10
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