How to Say "unfavorable" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “unfavorable” is “negativo” — use 'negativo' to describe a bad outcome, a pessimistic attitude, or a generally unfavorable situation that is not related to external conditions like weather or circumstances.
negativo
neh-gah-TEE-vohne.ɣaˈti.βo
Examples
Su actitud es muy negativa cuando hablamos de trabajo.
His attitude is very negative when we talk about work.
La respuesta a mi solicitud fue negativa.
The answer to my application was negative (a rejection).
El impacto ambiental del proyecto es negativo.
The environmental impact of the project is unfavorable.
Adjective Agreement
Since 'negativo' is an adjective, it must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'negativa' for feminine things (like 'respuesta') and 'negativos' or 'negativas' for plural things.
Incorrect Gender
Mistake: “La situación es negativo.”
Correction: La situación es negativa. (Since 'situación' is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.)
adverso
ad-BER-soaðˈβeɾso
Examples
El partido se suspendió por el clima adverso.
The game was suspended due to the unfavorable weather.
Esta medicina no tiene efectos adversos.
This medicine has no adverse effects.
Tuvimos que trabajar en condiciones muy adversas.
We had to work in very hostile conditions.
Matching the word it describes
Just like most Spanish adjectives, this word must match the thing it describes. Use 'adverso' for masculine things (el clima) and 'adversa' for feminine things (la situación).
Position for Emphasis
While you usually put it after the noun (clima adverso), placing it before (adverso clima) makes it sound very poetic or dramatic, which is common in literature.
Adverso vs. Adversario
Mistake: “Using 'adverso' to mean an opponent.”
Correction: Use 'adversario' for a person you are competing against. Use 'adverso' to describe a situation that is working against you.
Adverso vs. Negativo
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