World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesUnenviable
/ʌnˈɛn.vi.ə.bəl/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Not desirable or worthy of envy; typically used to describe a situation or condition that is unfortunate or undesirable.
"His unenviable position as the team's scapegoat made him the target of criticism." - 2
Describing a state that is likely to provoke pity or disdain rather than admiration.
"The unenviable task of cleaning up after the party fell to the last person to leave."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The word 'unenviable' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'enviable', which comes from the Latin 'invidiabilis', meaning 'to be envied'. The term evolved in English during the late 19th century to describe a state or condition that is not desirable or worthy of envy.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Unenviable"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Unenviable" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
déplorable
Transliteration: déplorable
"Sa situation était déplorable et ne suscitait aucune envie."
unerfreulich
Transliteration: unerfreulich
"Seine unerfreuliche Lage machte ihn zum Ziel von Spott."
sgradevole
Transliteration: sgradevole
"La sua posizione era sgradevole e non suscitava invidia."
desagradable
Transliteration: desagradable
"Su situación era desagradable y no provocaba envidia."
desfavorável
Transliteration: desfavorável
"A sua posição era desfavorável e não despertava inveja."
अवांछनीय
Transliteration: avaanchaniya
"उसकी स्थिति अवांछनीय थी और किसी की भी इच्छा नहीं थी।"
不受欢迎的
Transliteration: bù shòu huānyíng de
"他的处境是不受欢迎的，没人会羡慕。"
바람직하지 않은
Transliteration: baramjikhaji anheun
"그의 상황은 바람직하지 않아 아무도 부러워하지 않았다."
望ましくない
Transliteration: nozomashikunai
"彼の状況は望ましくなく、誰も羨ましがらなかった。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA person who provides care for someone, especially a child, elderly person, or someone with a disability.
The act of directing something to a different place or purpose.
Knowledge or skill acquired through firsthand involvement or participation.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Unenviable"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.