What does unfashionable mean?
Unfashionable means not currently in fashion: no longer considered stylish, modern, or suited to contemporary tastes. It is commonly applied to clothing and hairstyles, but it can also characterize attitudes, ideas, designs, and behaviours that seem old-fashioned or out of step with current opinion. The word generally carries a mildly negative or dismissive connotation, suggesting that something has fallen behind rather than merely failing to become popular. In fashion-related contexts, it is close to 'dated' or 'out of style', although 'unfashionable' can sound less pointed than 'dated'. In broader social or intellectual contexts, it may describe a position perceived as conservative or old-fashioned. The word is useful because it distinguishes genuine lack of contemporary appeal from being simply less popular than the newest trend. It also illustrates how styles and social attitudes change, turning what once appeared modern into something later audiences may readily regard as unfashionable.
adjectiveNot in accordance with current fashion or style; considered outdated or no longer popular.
- Not in accordance with current fashion or style; regarded as outdated or no longer popular.
"She replaced her unfashionable coat with a sleek jacket from the latest collection."
"The committee rejected the proposal as unfashionable and too conservative."
"Although the shoes are still in excellent condition, their unfashionable design no longer appeals to buyers."
What was once daring can become tomorrow's unfashionable—a reminder that style has a shelf life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unfashionable come from?
Unfashionable was formed by attaching the prefix un-, meaning 'not', to the established adjective fashionable. Fashionable in turn derives from fashion, a word that entered Middle English from Old French and ultimately traces to Latin roots associated with making and forming. The same shared root is visible in fashion, fashionably, and fashionless.
Related word forms
How unfashionable is actually used
The word is used in both formal and informal contexts for clothing, hairstyles, attitudes, ideas, and other practices. It is often less directly critical than 'dated' and can describe something that was once popular but is no longer considered stylish.
Easily confused with unfashionable
Unfashionable means out of date with prevailing style, whereas unfathomable means impossible to understand or measure.