untoward
adjective
un·to·ward
ˌən-ˈtō-ərd 
-ˈtȯ(-ə)rd;
ˌən-tə-ˈwȯrd
1
: difficult to guide, manage, or work with : unruly, intractable
2
a
: marked by trouble or unhappiness : unlucky
b
: not favorable : adverse, unpropitious
untoward side effects
3
untowardly
adverb
untowardness
noun
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Toward and Untoward
For centuries, toward was used for "forward-moving" youngsters, the kind who showed promise and were open to listening to their elders. The adjective then came to mean "obliging." The opposite of this toward is froward, meaning "disobedient." Froward has fallen out of common use, and the cooperative sense of toward is obsolete, but untoward is still moving forward.
Synonyms
Examples of untoward in a Sentence
There was nothing untoward about his appearance.
tried to reason with the untoward child
Recent Examples on the Web
The strong substance carries the potential to elicit numerous untoward side effects, such as tooth discoloration, damage to bones, cognitive defects, skin problems, thyroid disease, reproductive issues, and a host of neurological conditions.
—
Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
In addition, negating painful memories and trying to proceed as if everything is normal contorts one’s emotional life and results in untoward effects.
—George Makari, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024
In the entertainment world, even mere accusations of untoward actions have caused the removal of K-pop idols from their groups, their existence never to be acknowledged again.
—Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2024
In reality, news outlets have strict firewalls between their editorial teams and business executives that insulate decision desks from any untoward influences.
—Eric Schultz, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for untoward 
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Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024
In addition, negating painful memories and trying to proceed as if everything is normal contorts one’s emotional life and results in untoward effects.
—George Makari, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024
In the entertainment world, even mere accusations of untoward actions have caused the removal of K-pop idols from their groups, their existence never to be acknowledged again.
—Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2024
In reality, news outlets have strict firewalls between their editorial teams and business executives that insulate decision desks from any untoward influences.
—Eric Schultz, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for untoward
Dictionary Entries Near untoward
Cite this Entry
“Untoward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/untoward. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
untoward
adjective
un·to·ward
ˌən-ˈtō(-ə)rd
ˈən-
ˈən-
-ˈtȯ(-ə)rd;
ˌən-tə-ˈwȯ(ə)rd
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