different between unfavourable vs inexpedient

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

in- +? expedient

Adjective

inexpedient (comparative more inexpedient, superlative most inexpedient)

1. Not expedient; not tending to promote a purpose; not tending to the end desired; unsuitable to time and place
   • 1856, Albert Mackey, The Principles of Masonic Law Chapter XXII

     But the reputation of the Order must not be permitted to be endangered, and a case might occur, in which it would be inexpedient to extend this courtesy, and where the lodge would feel compelled to proceed to the trial and punishment of the offender, without appealing to his lodge.

Derived terms

• inexpediently

Translations

References

• inexpedient in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• inexpedient in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.