What is unsavoury? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of unsavoury

unsavouryadjective
không đáng tin
/ʌnˈseɪvəri//ʌnˈseɪvəri/

Where does the word unsavoury come from?

"Unsavoury" traces its roots back to the Old French word "savouri," meaning "tasty" or "pleasing to the taste." Adding the prefix "un-" negates the meaning, resulting in "unsavoury." This journey took place over centuries, with the word evolving from a literal description of unpleasant taste to a broader, figurative sense of something morally or socially objectionable. Think of it like a dish that looks and smells good, but turns out to be bad tasting. That's how "unsavoury" applies to things that seem appealing on the surface but are ultimately undesirable.

Vocabulary summary unsavoury

type adjective

meaning bland, tasteless, unappetizing, disgusting

example an unsavoury smell (taste): a disgusting smell (taste)

meaning hideous

example an unsavoury truth

Example of vocabulary unsavourynamespace

The local pub at closing time can become quite unsavoury with rowdy customers and spilled drinks on the floor.
The chef refused to serve the dish due to its unsavoury odour coming from spoiled ingredients.
The alleyway behind the building was known to be unsavoury, with an abundance of litter and suspicious-looking individuals.
The politician's comments about immigrants were widely criticized as being unsavoury and prejudiced.
She found it unsavoury to see rats scurrying around the restaurant kitchen, making her lose her appetite.