favourable

FAY-ver-uh-bul/ˈfeɪv(ə)ɹəbəl/

5 meanings of favourable

1
helpfuladjective
Giving help or an advantage, or coming at a convenient time; working in someone's favour.
Warm, dry weather has created favourable conditions for this year's grape harvest.
A favourable exchange rate made the trip to Spain cheaper than expected.
UsageOften favourable for something or favourable to someone, and in on favourable terms.
Similarhelpful, useful, advantageous
Oppositeunfavourable, unhelpful
2
showing approvaladjective
Expressing approval of, support for or kindly feeling towards a person or thing.
The planning committee gave a favourable response to the new cycle lane.
Early reactions to the album have been overwhelmingly favourable.
UsageSomeone is favourable to an idea. Do not confuse it with favourite, meaning liked best.
Similarpositive, approving, encouraging
Oppositenegative, unfavourable, disapproving, discouraging
3
adjective
Likely to make others think well of someone or something; pleasing.
Her careful answers left the selection panel with a favourable impression.
The documentary paints the old mill town in a favourable light.
UsageUsually make a favourable impression or show something in a favourable light.
Similargood, pleasing
Oppositeunfavourable, displeasing
4
luckyadjective
Promising good fortune or bringing it; lucky.
The priests read the omens and declared them favourable for the voyage.
According to her horoscope, the stars are favourable for new beginnings this month.
Similarlucky, fortunate, auspicious
Oppositeunlucky, unfavourable, inauspicious

Less common meaning

5
noun
Used in the plural as favourables: favourability ratings showing the percentage of people who regard someone or something with approval.

Practice

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Origin

It came into Middle English as favourable, borrowed from Old French favorable, which goes back to Latin favōrābilis, itself formed from favor. Taken apart, it can also be read as favour + -able.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts

The word entered Middle English as favourable, borrowed from Old French favorable. en.wiktionary.org
Old French favorable derives from Latin favōrābilis. en.wiktionary.org
Latin favōrābilis was formed from favor. en.wiktionary.org
Favourable can be analysed as favour + -able. en.wiktionary.org