What does untowardness mean?
Untowardness is a formal noun meaning the state of being awkward, adverse, unsuitable, or unfortunate. It can describe a quality, as when someone comments on the untowardness of a meeting place, or an adverse situation more generally, as in references to the untowardness of events. The word often conveys more than mere bad luck: it suggests a course of events that feels awkward, ill-fitted, or contrary to expectation. In British usage it is usually associated with the /tɔːd/ pronunciation of “toward,” while American usage commonly has /tɔːrd/. Although “untoward” is more frequent in everyday and professional writing, “untowardness” is useful when a noun form is needed, especially in formal, literary, or analytical contexts. It can also describe a subtle atmosphere of social discomfort, making it more expressive than the plainer term “awkwardness.”
nounThe state or quality of being untoward, especially an awkward, adverse, or unfortunate circumstance.
- The state or quality of being untoward, especially awkwardness or lack of suitability.
- An adverse, unfortunate, or undesirable circumstance or development.
"The untowardness of the weather forced the travelers to abandon their plans."
"There was a certain untowardness about meeting her in such an awkward setting."
"The committee issued a statement acknowledging the untowardness of events and promising an investigation."
The plural is rarely used, since the word commonly occurs in the singular.
"The novel explores the untowardnesses of family life."
Untowardness is the noun for when things go not merely badly, but awkwardly against the grain.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does untowardness come from?
“Untowardness” was formed by adding the English suffix “-ness” to “untoward,” a word combining the negative prefix “un-” with “toward.” “Toward” descends from Old English “tōweard,” meaning “in the direction of,” and is related to Old English “tō,” meaning “to,” and “weard,” meaning “towards.” The noun therefore literally expresses the quality of being not directed toward a desirable, suitable, or successful outcome.
Related word forms
How untowardness is actually used
Formal and somewhat literary. It is less common than “untoward” or “adverse” and may suggest either physical or social awkwardness, or a generally unfortunate course of events.
Easily confused with untowardness
“Untoward” is primarily an adjective or adverb describing something awkward, adverse, or unsuitable, whereas “untowardness” is the noun naming that quality or the resulting adverse circumstance.