unsavory

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   morally offensive, disreputable, or suggestive of improper conduct

   The inquiry exposed several unsavory dealings between officials and contractors.

2. 2
   adj

   unpleasant or disagreeable, especially in taste, smell, or general character

   An unsavory smell rose from the ship's filthy hold.

From Middle English unsavery, formed from un- 'not' + savory. Its earliest literal senses concerned a lack of pleasant taste or smell; the figurative idea of leaving a bad taste developed into the modern judgment 'morally offensive or disreputable'.

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