Definitions for untoward
ʌnˈtɔrd, -ˈtoʊrdun·to·ward

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. indecent, indecorous, unbecoming, uncomely, unseemly, untowardadjective

   not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

   "was buried with indecent haste"; "indecorous behavior"; "language unbecoming to a lady"; "unseemly to use profanity"; "moved to curb their untoward ribaldry"

2. adverse, inauspicious, untowardadjective

   contrary to your interests or welfare

   "adverse circumstances"; "made a place for themselves under the most untoward conditions"

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. untowardadjective

   Unfavourable, adverse, or disadvantageous.

2. untowardadjective

   Unruly, troublesome.

3. untowardadjective

   Unseemly, improper.

4. untowardadjective

   side effects

Samuel Johnson's DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Untowardadjective

   1. Froward; perverse; vexatious; not easily guided, or taught.

   Have to my window; and if she be froward,
   Then hast thou taught Hortensio to be untoward. William Shakespeare.

   The ladies prove averse,
   And more untoward to be won,
   Than by Caligula the moon. Hudibras.

   The rabbins write, when any Jew
   Did make to God or man a vow,
   Which afterwards he found untoward,
   Or stubborn to be kept, or too hard;
   Any three other Jews o’ th’ nation,
   Might free him from the obligation. Hudibras.

   They were a cross, odd, untoward people. South.

   Some men have made a very untoward use of this, and such as he never intended they should. John Woodward.

   2. Aukward; ungraceful.

   Vast is my theme, yet unconceiv’d, and brings
   Untoward words, scarce loosen’d from the things. Thomas Creech.

   Some clergymen hold down their heads within an inch of the cushion; which, besides the untoward manner, hinders them from making the best advantage of their voice. Jonathan Swift.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Untoward

   toward

2. Untowardadjective

   froward; perverse

3. Untowardadjective

   awkward; ungraceful

4. Untowardadjective

   inconvenient; troublesome; vexatious; unlucky; unfortunate; as, an untoward wind or accident

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Untoward

   un-tō′ard, adj. not easily guided: froward: awkward: inconvenient—also Untō′wardly.—n. Untō′wardliness.—adv. Untō′wardly.—n. Untō′wardness.

Anagrams for untoward »

1. drawn out

2. drawn-out

3. outdrawn

How to pronounce untoward?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say untoward in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of untoward in Chaldean Numerology is: 8

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of untoward in Pythagorean Numerology is: 8

Examples of untoward in a Sentence

1. Red Bull:

   When something like that happens, there's going to be speculation but to me it just looked like a racing accident, kimi's not that kind of driver. I'd be amazed if there was anything untoward behind it.

2. Ruari Ewing:

   Our members take their responsibilities in this area extremely seriously, and were something untoward to be found out by this review, I would be surprised.

3. Yanzhong Huang:

   The Party wants to make sure nothing untoward, such as a major outbreak, could potentially threaten social stability, shadow the leadership transition process -- and not to mention tarnish Xi's personal leadership credibility.

4. Charlotte Guttridge:

   Throughout the trip, Otto behaved as a typical tourist - taking pictures, enjoying himself. We had no indication that anything untoward had happened until the airport.

5. Joel Ernesto Soto:

   They can come and ask and speak to us. We'll be here waiting, this event was completely fortuitous; there was nothing untoward.

Popularity rank by frequency of use