|ən.|t]ō(ə)rd, ]ȯ(ə)rd, ]ōəd, ]ȯ(ə)d also -tw] or -ntə|wȯ(ə)rd or -ntə|wȯ(ə)d\ adjective
Etymology: un- (I) + toward, adjective
1.
a. : difficult to guide, manage, or influence : unruly
an untoward wife
b. : resistant to manipulation, treatment, or use
untoward land
untoward material
c. archaic : awkward , ungraceful
2.
a. : marked by or causing trouble or unhappiness : unfortunate , unlucky
the oppressive realities of an untoward life — Times Literary Supplement
an untoward accident
untoward circumstances plunged it into bankruptcy — American Guide Series: Oregon
b. : not favoring or assisting : adverse , unpropitious
have managed to make a place for themselves under the most untoward conditions — M.F.A.Montagu
c. : not usual or expected : out-of-the-way
untoward scrap losses — Harold Koontz & Cyril O'Donnell
some untoward and amusing incident — Spectator
3. : not in accordance with propriety : improper , indecorous
moving to curb the untoward enthusiasm of the standees — Irving Kolodin
• un·toward·ness noun