unenviable

Unenviable is an adjective used to describe a situation, position, or characteristic that is not desirable. It suggests something that no one would want to experience or possess due to its negative nature or inherent difficulties. The word is derived from the verb "envy," which means to feel discontent or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck. Therefore, something unenviable is the opposite of what one would envy; it is a state to be avoided.

Situations that are often described as unenviable include facing severe hardship, being in a position of extreme responsibility with little power, or having to make difficult and unpopular decisions. For example, a person responsible for delivering bad news to a large group might find themselves in an unenviable position. Similarly, a nation facing widespread famine or civil unrest could be described as having an unenviable predicament. The term highlights the lack of appeal and the presence of hardship or misfortune associated with the subject. It is a straightforward descriptor for circumstances that evoke sympathy or pity rather than admiration.