ungünstiges

Ungünstiges is the attributive form of the German adjective ungünstig, meaning not favorable or disadvantageous. The overall sense is that something is adverse, inauspicious, or unfavorable in a given situation. The word inherits its meaning from the prefix un- attached to günstig (favorable).

Usage and grammar

Ungünstig is used to describe conditions, times, outcomes or circumstances that are not advantageous. The form ungünstiges is the neuter singular inflection most commonly encountered before neuter nouns, as in das ungünstige Wetter or ein ungünstiges Zeitfenster. It can also appear in fixed expressions such as ungünstiges Timing. The adjective otherwise follows standard German declension rules, changing endings to agree with gender, number, and case (for example: eine ungünstige Situation, ein ungünstiger Zeitpunkt, ungünstige Rahmenbedingungen, ungünstiges Timing).

Contexts and nuances

In everyday language, ungünstig is often used for practical assessments—planning, weather, scheduling, investment, or strategic decisions. It connotes that factors are not supportive of a desired outcome, increasing risk, costs, or difficulties. Synonyms include nachteilig, ungünstig, problematisch, hinderlich. The term is common in technical, meteorological, business, and media contexts.

Related terms

Ungünstig appears in contrasts with günstig, which means favorable or advantageous. The concept also intersects with phrases describing timing, conditions or factors that could impede success, such as ungünstige Rahmenbedingungen or ungünstige Entwicklung.

See also

Günstig; Unglücklich; Timing (in German usage); Wetter and Wetterlage (for contextual examples).