unsavoury - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
unsavoury Word Meanings
- unpleasant in taste or smell
- morally offensive or distasteful
unsavoury Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
unsavoury Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ʌnˈseɪ.vər.i/
US
/ʌnˈseɪ.vɚ.i/
unsavoury Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'un-' (not) + 'savoury' (having good taste). Historical origin: Latin 'sapere' (to taste) → Old French 'savor' → English 'savoury'. Memory image: Imagine a delicious meal turned into a spoiled dish, its unpleasant odors wafting through the air.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Unsavoury is an adjective describing something that tastes or smells unpleasant, or something morally offensive or distasteful. In everyday English, it often modifies food or odors, e. g., an unsavoury smell or an unsavoury dish. The sense of taste comes from savoury, which means pleasant or appetizing; unsavoury negates that. The term can carry stronger connotations than simply bad, and it can reference people, situations, or rumors that are morally questionable. In British English, the spelling with 'u' is common; American English tends to use unsavory. Learn common collocations like unsavoury character, unsavoury circumstances, and be mindful that cultural attitudes to what counts as savory can differ.
Usage Reminders
- Be mindful that unsavoury can describe taste, smell, or morally questionable behavior.
- Remember the British spelling with 'u' vs the American 'unsavory'.
- Collocate with nouns like smell, dish, character, circumstances.
- Don’t overextend to mild or neutral situations.
- Use formal or descriptive tone in writing; it can sound strong.
- Check context to avoid implying trivial dislike when you mean simply 'not tasty'.
Common Misconceptions
- Unsavoury only ever means tasting bad; it can also describe people or situations.
- It is the same as savory in all contexts.
- Unsavoury always implies criminal behavior.
- British vs American spelling changes meaning, not just form.
- You can replace unsavoury with unpleasant in any sentence without nuance loss.
Thinking Differences
Unsavoury can refer to taste or to morals; English tends to draw attention to character or rumors as well as food, which can surprise learners who assume it only describes flavor.
Learning Tips
- Note the two main senses: taste/smell and morality.
- Remember British spelling unsavoury vs American unsavory.
- Pair with nouns like smell, dish, character, circumstances.
- Compare with savory to see the negation and different nuance.
- Practice with both food contexts and ethical/rumor contexts.
- Listen for formal tone; it sounds stronger than 'unpleasant'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'unsavoury' mean?
A.Morally offensive or distasteful
B.Appetizing
C.Pleasant taste
D.Savoury flavor
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'unsavoury' in a sentence.
A.The dessert was quite unsavoury and everyone loved it.
B.He was known for his unsavoury comments during meetings.
C.The soup was unsavoury and left a pleasant aftertaste.
D.The movie was unsavoury and received glowing reviews.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'unsavoury'?
A.Tasty
B.Disreputable
C.Delicious
D.Savory
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'unsavoury'?
A.Respectable
B.Dishonorable
C.Controversial
D.Disgraceful
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'unsavoury' would be suitable?
A.He always chooses the most delicious dishes at the restaurant.
B.The festival was famous for its beautiful decorations.
C.The politician was known for his past unsavoury dealings.
D.Everyone enjoyed the unsavoury but thrilling novel.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App