favourable

comparative more favourable · superlative most favourable · alternative US favorable

1. UKApt to win favour; pleasing.

   The candidate wearing the business suit made a favourable impression.

   Synonyms: good, pleasing · Antonyms: bad, displeasing, unfavorable

2. UKExpressing or indicating favour or goodwill; approving, encouraging.

   The proposal has received many favourable comments.

   1 more example

   The batteries were supplied by Chloride Batteries Limited, under favourable terms, and the stationary charging plants at Aberdeen and Ballater were similarly supplied by Bruce Peebles Limited.

   1958 June 28, “First Battery Railcars on B.R.”, in Railway Magazine, page 419

   Synonyms: approving, encouraging, positive · Antonyms: disapproving, discouraging, negative, unfavourable

3. UKUseful or helpful.

   We made quick progress, due to favourable winds.

   2 more examples

   So draw him home to those that mourn ⁠In vain; a favourable speed ⁠Ruffle thy mirror’d mast, and lead Thro’ prosperous floods his holy urn.

   1850, [Alfred, Lord Tennyson], “Canto IX”, in In Memoriam, London: Edward Moxon, […], →OCLC

   Four pairs of women's doubles badminton players, including the Chinese top seeds, have been ejected from the Olympic tournament for trying to throw matches in an effort to secure a more favourable quarter-final draw.

   2012 August 1, Peter Walker, Haroon Siddique, “Eight Olympic badminton players disqualified for 'throwing games'”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 01 Aug 2024

   Synonyms: advantageous, helpful, useful, propitious · Antonyms: unfavourable, unhelpful

4. UKConvenient or at a suitable time; opportune.

   The rain stopped at a favourable time for our tennis match.

   Synonyms: convenient, good, handy, opportune, suitable · Antonyms: bad, inconvenient, inopportune, unfavourable, unsuitable

5. UKAuspicious or lucky.

   She says that she was born under a favourable star.

   Synonyms: auspicious, fortunate, lucky · Antonyms: inauspicious, unfavourable, unlucky