different between unfavourable vs derisory

English

Etymology

From un- +? favourable.

Adjective

unfavourable (comparative more unfavourable, superlative most unfavourable) (British spelling)

1. Serving to hinder or oppose; adverse, disadvantageous, inconducive, unsuitable.

   Antonym: favourable

   • 1863, Henry David Thoreau, chapter 6, Excursions:

     The shade of a dense pine wood, is more unfavorable to the springing up of pines of the same species than of oaks within it.

2. Not auspicious; ill-boding.

   Synonyms: inauspicious, unfortunate; see also Thesaurus:unlucky

   Antonyms: favourable, fortunate; see also Thesaurus:lucky

   • 1903, Anna Katharine Green, The Filigree Ball, ch. 6:

     The fact that the bride went through the ceremony without her bridal bouquet is looked upon by many as an unfavorable omen.

3. Of a belief, state of mind, etc.: not favourable; disapproving.

   Synonym: favourable
4. Of wind or weather: causing delay or obstacles; not conducive to travel or work; inclement.
   • 1855, Herman Melville, chapter 17, Israel Potter:

     The wind was right under the land, the tide unfavorable.

Usage notes

Nouns to which unfavourable is often applied: condition, circumstance, weather, climate, outcome, result, opinion, view, impression, effect, consequence, impact, influence, environment, balance, information, report, prognosis, rating, evaluation, review, position, factor, feature, aspect, reaction, response, attitude, season, development, treatment, ruling, case, state, experience, inference.

Alternative forms

• unfavorable (American spelling)

Derived terms

• unfavourability
• unfavourableness
• unfavourably

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle French dérisoire

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /d???a?z??i/

Adjective

derisory (comparative more derisory, superlative most derisory)

1. Laughably small or inadequate.
2. derisive; laughable; ridiculous

Derived terms

• derisorily