What does unsavoury mean?
Unsavoury is an adjective meaning unpleasant or objectionable, especially because something is disreputable, scandalous, or morally offensive. In modern usage, it is most often applied to allegations, conduct, details, or aspects of a person’s past: “an unsavoury reputation” suggests moral disapproval rather than merely an unpleasant taste. The literal sense—having an unpleasant taste or smell—is older and now comparatively uncommon. Unsavoury can vary in force: it may simply mean “unappealing,” while in expressions such as “unsavoury allegations” it implies serious suspicion of impropriety. The word is chiefly associated with British English, where the spelling includes -our; the standard American spelling is unsavory. Its usefulness lies in its strong but controlled moral disapproval: it condemns something without requiring the blunt terms obscene or abhorrent.
adjectiveUnpleasant, objectionable, or disreputable, especially because of moral or social impropriety; also, in literal use, having an unpleasant taste or smell.
- Offensive or objectionable, especially on moral or social grounds.
- Unattractive or disagreeable in character, effect, or appearance.
- Unpleasant to the taste or smell.
"The report was delayed by unsavoury allegations about the company’s director."
"The report was delayed by unsavoury allegations about the company’s director."
"The soup tasted odd and had an unsavoury smell."
“Unsavoury allegations” can discredit a rumour without ever proving it false.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unsavoury come from?
Unsavoury was formed in English from the prefix un- and the adjective savoury. Savoury derives ultimately from Latin sapor, meaning “taste,” through medieval and early modern French. The compound is recorded from the early 19th century and initially referred to an unpleasant taste or smell before being extended to character and conduct. The related verbs are the British savour and its American variant, savor.
Related word forms
How unsavoury is actually used
The metaphorical moral sense is now dominant, while the literal sense relating to taste or smell is older and less common. The word conveys stronger disapproval than merely “unpleasant” and is especially common in formal, legal, journalistic, and political contexts.
Easily confused with unsavoury
Unsavory is the standard American spelling of the British adjective unsavoury, with the same meaning.