untoward — unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈtɔːrd/
Example Sentences
- The teacher assured parents that nothing untoward had occurred during the field trip.
- She noticed something untoward in her boss's behavior and decided to report it to HR.
- My cat's untoward habit of stealing socks has turned my laundry routine into a detective mission.
untoward
ADJECTIVE[/ʌnˈtɔːrd/]
unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient
The picnic took an untoward turn when a wild boar charged through the blankets.
The lord faces an untoward turn when his knight draws sword!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English and Old English, combining the prefix 'un-' (not) with 'toward,' which derives from Old English 'tōweard' meaning 'in the direction of' or 'moving toward.' The word originally meant 'not moving in the right direction' or 'not amenable.'
Breakdown
un- (not) + toward (in the direction of, from Old English tōweard) = untoward (not moving in the right direction; unexpected and inconvenient)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher assured parents that nothing untoward had occurred during the field trip.”
“She noticed something untoward in her boss's behavior and decided to report it to HR.”
“My cat's untoward habit of stealing socks has turned my laundry routine into a detective mission.”
“The wedding proceeded smoothly with no untoward incidents, despite the groom's nervous hiccups.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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