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untoward

By Grace Fleming, About.com

Definition:

Not consistent with acceptable standards; demonstrating poor taste. Unpleasant or uncouth.

Pronunciation:

un – TOHRD

Also Known As:

unbecoming; unwelcome; unpleasant; unseemly; tasteless

Examples:

Polly blanched when she recalled the untoward advances of the wretched man.

In a Quote:

It has before been hinted, perhaps, that every little untoward circumstance that befell him, and which indirectly sprang from his luckless mishap, almost invariably irritated or exasperated Ahab.


From Moby Dick, Herman Melville

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