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Unenviable - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

unenviable

/ʌnˈɛnviəbəl/ /ʌnˈɛnvɪəbəl/

Definition:

Difficult, unpleasant, or undesirable; not worthy of envy.

Synonyms:

undesirable, unpleasant, disagreeable, unappealing

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

enviable, desirable, pleasant

Common Collocations:

unenviable task, unenviable position, unenviable reputation

Derivatives:

unenviableness, unenviably

Usage Tips:

Use "unenviable" to describe situations or tasks that are difficult or undesirable rather than people directly.

Common Phrases:

in an unenviable position, an unenviable task, an unenviable record

Etymology:

From "un-" (not) + "enviable" (desirable), first recorded in the early 19th century.

Examples:

  • 1. She faced the unenviable task of cleaning up the mess alone.
  • 2. His job involves the unenviable duty of firing employees.
  • 3. The team was left in an unenviable position after losing their star player.
  • 4. The politician had the unenviable reputation of breaking promises.

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