untoward

Untoward, a.

Etymology: [Pref. un- not + toward.]

1. Froward; perverse. "Save yourselves from this untoward generation." Acts ii. 40.

2. Awkward; ungraceful. "Untoward words." Creech. "Untoward manner." Swift.

3. Inconvenient; troublesome; vexatious; unlucky; unfortunate; as, an untoward wind or accident. -- Un*to"ward*ly, adv. -- Un*to"ward*ness, n.

1 other Webster entry under this spelling

Untoward, prep.

Toward. [Obs.] Gower.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for untoward; he lists it under perverse.

Where he writes about it:

Wayward refers to a perverse disregard of morality and duty; froward is practically obsolete; untoward is rarely heard except in certain phrases; as, untoward circumstances. — from perverse

Synonyms

perverse contrary factious fractious froward intractable obstinate petulant stubborn ungovernable wayward wilful

Antonyms

accommodating amenable complaisant compliant genial governable kind obliging

etymology Webster’s online