untoward meaning

UK US /əntuˈɔrd/ 3 syllables

untoward (adjective): not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society.

untoward has 2 meanings in this dictionary.

untoward as an adjective

  1. 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

    Synonyms: indecent, indecorous, unbecoming, uncomely, unseemly

    Similar: improper

  2. contrary to your interests or welfare
    • adverse circumstances
    • made a place for themselves under the most untoward conditions

    Synonyms: adverse, inauspicious

    Similar: unfavorable

How to pronounce untoward

untoward is pronounced /əntuˈɔrd/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.

Words that rhyme with untoward

Word lists: words starting with UN · words ending in RD · 8-letter words

More about untoward on Wikipedia.