unflattering

Everyday

1. Unflattering means making someone or something look or seem worse than they really are, like an unflattering photo. tree →
2. Unflattering words are honest but not kind or praising. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: unflattering photos, clothes, light or haircuts. In media lessons, newspapers can choose unflattering pictures to make someone look bad – a form of bias. In feedback, an unflattering review points out problems.

Examples

• That photo of me with my eyes shut is so unflattering! tree →
• The newspaper used an unflattering picture of the mayor. tree →
• Bright yellow light can be unflattering. tree →
• The critic wrote an unflattering review of the play. tree →
• The baggy uniform was unflattering on everyone. tree →
• The diary gives an unflattering picture of the queen. tree →

Note

From «flatter», to praise too much or make look good. Opposite: «flattering». It does not mean «not flat».