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.)

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