untoward

/ n'tou d/

Thân thiện

The committee investigated the untoward incident during the ceremony.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Unexpected, inconvenient, or unfavorable: "Untoward" describes something that is not favorable, suitable, or convenient; it often refers to adverse or unfortunate circumstances.
   • Improper, unseemly, or inappropriate: "Untoward" can also describe behavior or actions that are not in keeping with accepted standards of propriety or good taste.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The expedition faced untoward weather conditions, forcing a delay. (The expedition encountered unfavorable weather conditions, forcing a delay.)
  • The manager was concerned about any untoward incidents during the high-profile event. (The manager was concerned about any improper or unfortunate incidents during the high-profile event.)
  • She was shocked by his untoward remarks at the formal dinner. (She was shocked by his inappropriate remarks at the formal dinner.)

Advanced Usage

• "Untoward incident/event": an unfortunate, unexpected, or problematic occurrence.
  • The investigation found no evidence of any untoward incident. (The investigation found no evidence of any problematic occurrence.)
• "Nothing untoward": a common phrase meaning nothing improper, suspicious, or unfortunate happened.
  • The police checked the premises and found nothing untoward. (The police checked the premises and found nothing suspicious or out of order.)

Variants and Related Words

• Untowardly (adverb, rare): in an untoward manner.
  • Events proceeded untowardly. (Events proceeded in an unfavorable manner.)
• Untowardness (noun, rare): the quality or state of being untoward.
  • The untowardness of the situation was apparent to all. (The inappropriateness of the situation was apparent to all.)

Synonyms

• Adverse: unfavorable, harmful.
• Unfortunate: unlucky, regrettable.
• Inappropriate: unsuitable, improper.
• Unseemly: indecorous, unbecoming.
• Inconvenient: troublesome, awkward.

Antonyms

• Favorable: advantageous, positive.
• Fortunate: lucky, auspicious.
• Appropriate: suitable, proper.
• Seemly: decorous, becoming.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To prevent any untoward consequences": to stop any unfavorable or negative outcomes from happening.
  • Safety measures are in place to prevent any untoward consequences. (Safety measures are in place to prevent any negative outcomes.)
• "An untoward turn of events": an unexpected and unfavorable development in a situation.
  • The project's success was threatened by an untoward turn of events. (The project's success was threatened by an unexpected and unfavorable development.)

Học thuật

Adjective

1. contrary to your interests or welfare
   • adverse circumstances
   • made a place for themselves under the most untoward conditions
2. not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
   • was buried with indecent haste
   • indecorous behavior
   • language unbecoming to a lady
   • unseemly to use profanity
   • moved to curb their untoward ribaldry

Từ đồng nghĩa

• adverse
• inauspicious
• indecent
• indecorous
• unbecoming
• uncomely
• unseemly