unsavory
adjective
un·sa·vory
ˌən-ˈsā-və-rē 
-ˈsāv-rē
2
a
: unpleasant to taste or smell
b
: disagreeable, distasteful
an unsavory assignment
especially
: morally offensive
unsavory business practices
Synonyms
Examples of unsavory in a Sentence
He is an unsavory character.
an unsavory blend of spices that simply overwhelmed the fish's delicate flavor
Recent Examples on the Web
To these workers, Microsoft’s energy contracts demonstrate only the unsavory reality of how the company’s AI investments are actually used.
—
Karen Hao, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2024
The myth begins in the Tang dynasty (618-907 C.E.), when China was suffering from extreme heat and unsavory conditions that saw crops dry up and villagers perish under the sun.
—Michelle Tchea, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024
There were a few too many unsavory people in the outer rings of the inner circle, there was too much chaos swirling around her.
—Jonathan Van Meter, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2024
Of course, people can also use that privacy as a way to conduct unsavory dealings without having to worry about their communications getting exposed.
—Lauren Goode, WIRED, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unsavory 
Karen Hao, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2024
The myth begins in the Tang dynasty (618-907 C.E.), when China was suffering from extreme heat and unsavory conditions that saw crops dry up and villagers perish under the sun.
—Michelle Tchea, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024
There were a few too many unsavory people in the outer rings of the inner circle, there was too much chaos swirling around her.
—Jonathan Van Meter, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2024
Of course, people can also use that privacy as a way to conduct unsavory dealings without having to worry about their communications getting exposed.
—Lauren Goode, WIRED, 5 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unsavory
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unsavory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near unsavory
Cite this Entry
“Unsavory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsavory. Accessed 23 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unsavory
adjective
un·sa·vory
ˌən-ˈsāv(-ə)-rē
ˈən-
1
: having little or no taste
2
: having a bad taste or smell
3
: morally bad
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share