unsavory
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not pleasing in odor or taste: Describes something that has an unpleasant smell or flavor.
- Morally offensive or disagreeable: Describes a person, action, or situation that is considered morally bad, unpleasant, or socially unacceptable.
Usage and Examples
Describing an unpleasant taste or smell:
- The soup had an unsavory smell that made everyone avoid it.
- He left the cheese out so long it became quite unsavory.
Describing something morally offensive:
- The politician was involved in several unsavory business deals.
- The newspaper uncovered the unsavory details of the scandal.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Unsavory character": A common phrase used to describe a person of bad reputation or dubious morals.
- The landlord was known in the neighborhood as an unsavory character.
- "Unsavory aspects": Refers to the unpleasant or disagreeable parts of something.
- The documentary explored the unsavory aspects of the industry's history.
Variants and Related Words
- Unsavoury: The British English spelling of "unsavory". The meaning is identical.
- Savory (Adjective): The direct antonym, meaning pleasant or agreeable in taste, or morally wholesome.
- A savory pie.
- He has a savory reputation.
Synonyms
- Distasteful: Unpleasant or offensive.
- Disreputable: Not considered to be respectable in character or appearance.
- Sordid: Involving immoral or dishonorable actions and motives.
- Unpalatable: Not pleasant to taste or, metaphorically, difficult to accept.
Antonyms
- Savory: Pleasant or agreeable.
- Reputable: Having a good reputation.
- Wholesome: Conducive to or suggestive of good health and physical well-being; morally beneficial.
Notes on Meaning
The two primary meanings are often connected. The literal meaning (unpleasant taste/smell) provides a strong metaphor for the figurative meaning (morally unpleasant). When used figuratively, unsavory strongly implies a judgment of low morality, shadiness, or something one would wish to avoid due to its negative nature. It is more formal than words like "gross" (for taste) or "sketchy" (for character).
Adjective
-
not pleasing in odor or taste
-
morally offensive
-
an unsavory reputation
-
an unsavory scandal
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