Translation guide
Expressing that something is disadvantageous, negative, or not in one's favor. Japanese uses various adjectives, verbs, and set phrases depending on the context.
Describing conditions, circumstances, or situations that are not beneficial or are working against someone.
The most direct and common word for 'unfavourable' in the sense of being disadvantageous. Used for conditions, positions, or situations.
不利な状況に立たされている。
We are in an unfavourable situation.
この条件は我々に不利だ。
These conditions are unfavourable to us.
Literally 'circumstances are bad', often used when something is inconvenient or unfavourable for one's plans or interests.
彼にとって都合の悪い事実が明らかになった。
An unfavourable fact for him came to light.
A formal, somewhat literary expression meaning 'not good' or 'unfavourable', often used for results, reviews, or conditions.
業績は芳しくない。
The business results are unfavourable.
Describing opinions, comments, or reactions that are critical or disapproving.
Means 'negative' in the sense of expressing denial or criticism. Commonly used for opinions, attitudes, or evaluations.
彼の提案に対して否定的な意見が多かった。
There were many unfavourable opinions about his proposal.
Means 'critical'. Stronger than 否定的, implying active criticism rather than just negativity.
Means 'undesirable' or 'unfavourable'. Used for things that are not liked or approved of.
その映画は批評家から好ましくない評価を受けた。
The movie received unfavourable reviews from critics.
Comparing two things where one is worse or less advantageous.
Pattern meaning 'unfavourable compared to ~'. Used to show a disadvantage in comparison.
我が社の製品は競合他社に比べて不利だ。
Our company's products are unfavourable compared to our competitors'.
Verb meaning 'to be inferior in appearance or quality', 'to compare unfavourably'.
新モデルは旧モデルに見劣りする。
The new model compares unfavourably with the old one.
Describing weather or environmental conditions that are bad or not suitable.
Means 'bad weather'. The standard term for unfavourable weather conditions.
悪天候のため試合は中止になった。
The match was cancelled due to unfavourable weather.
Means 'unseasonable' or 'irregular', often used for weather that is unfavourable for the season.
不利 is objective disadvantage, while 都合が悪い implies personal inconvenience or a situation that is awkward for someone.
Do not directly translate 'unfavourable' as 不賛成 or 不利益 in most contexts. Use the appropriate word based on the specific meaning.
新聞は政府に批判的な記事を掲載した。
The newspaper published an unfavourable article about the government.
Due to unfavourable weather, crop growth is delayed.