Unsavory means unpleasant, distasteful or disagreeable. It describes something that is not good to eat or smell and is generally considered undesirable by society's standards.
Usage examples
The newspaper article exposed the unsavory practices of the company, including fraud and corruption.
The politician's unsavory reputation was widely known, tarnishing his chances of getting re-elected.
Mary was uncomfortable attending the unsavory party, where people were engaging in illegal activities.
The detective uncovered an unsavory plot involving kidnapping and extortion.
The restaurant received negative reviews due to the unsavory behavior of its staff towards customers.
The novel delves into the dark and unsavory world of organized crime.
Julie's ex-boyfriend had an unsavory history of substance abuse and run-ins with the law.
The internet can be a breeding ground for unsavory characters, so it's important to be cautious when interacting online.
The documentary shed light on the unsavory conditions of sweatshops in developing countries.
The investment scheme turned out to be an unsavory scam, leaving many people financially devastated.
Set in Montana, Dancing Bear follows Milo Dragovitch, a part time detective who becomes entangled with a cast of unsavory characters in a web of criminal conspiracies, blackmail, land grabs, -LSB-...] (flickeringmyth.com)
When the weather worsens and a blizzard forces the group to take refuge at Minnie's Haberdashery, Warren, Ruth, and Mannix are forced to intermingle with a host of unsavory characters similarly stranded at the five - and - dime — any of which could be in league with Domergue, just waiting for a chance to slay her captors to set her free. (gonewiththetwins.com)
What Kulich had, though, was plenty of experience representing folks with unsavory reputations: He'd been working in porn marketing, and also ran an adult entertainment business. (inc.com)