unsavory
Not quite wholesome
Unsavory describes something distasteful or morally objectionable.
An unsavory reputation suggests questionable character.
Unsavory characters are people you'd rather avoid.
The word can describe literal unpleasantness—an unsavory smell—but more often applies to people, dealings, or details that seem shady or disreputable: The investigation uncovered some unsavory connections.
Extremely distasteful or offensive
- revoltingCausing strong disgust
- repulsiveCausing strong disgust
- nauseatingCausing urge to vomit
- disgustingProvoking strong revulsion
loathsome · abhorrent · vile · foul · gross · sickening · odious · objectionable
Disreputable or sun-blocked
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- nefariousExtremely evil or villainous
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
- dishonorableLacking integrity or ethics
unethical · crooked · underhanded · scandalous · sleazy · notorious · dodgy · shifty
Lacking distinctive qualities
- flavorlessHaving no taste
- insipidWithout flavor or interest
- unseasonedLacking flavor or experience
- flatLacking vertical variation
stale · unpalatable · unappetizing · watery · pallid · dull · unflavored · plain
One prejudiced by ethnicity
- sexistBiased based on gender
- homophobicPrejudiced against gay people
- xenophobicFearing or hating outsiders
- bigotedStubbornly intolerant of others
insulting · derogatory · obscene · profane · vulgar · abusive · inflammatory · disrespectful
repugnant
Extremely distasteful or offensive
- revoltingCausing strong disgust
- repulsiveCausing strong disgust
- nauseatingCausing urge to vomit
disgusting · loathsome · abhorrent · vile · foul · gross · sickening · odious · objectionable · disagreeable
shady
Disreputable or sun-blocked
- dubiousOf uncertain reliability
- nefariousExtremely evil or villainous
- corruptDishonest, open to bribes
dishonorable · unethical · crooked · underhanded · scandalous · sleazy · notorious · dodgy · shifty · sketchy
bland
Lacking distinctive qualities
- flavorlessHaving no taste
- insipidWithout flavor or interest
- unseasonedLacking flavor or experience
flat · stale · unpalatable · unappetizing · watery · pallid · dull · unflavored · plain · brackish
racist
One prejudiced by ethnicity
- sexistBiased based on gender
- homophobicPrejudiced against gay people
- xenophobicFearing or hating outsiders
bigoted · insulting · derogatory · obscene · profane · vulgar · abusive · inflammatory · disrespectful · discriminatory
unsavorysavory
Appetizing, not sweet
delicious · tasty · appetizing · palatable · delectable
unsavoryreputable
Having a good name
upstanding · respectable · honorable · decent · wholesome
unsavoryappealing
Pleasant and inviting
attractive · pleasant · delightful · agreeable · charming