Unenviable

Adjective. Describing a position, condition, or situation that is not desirable or admirable, often because it involves undesirable characteristics, challenges, or responsibilities that others would not wish to assume. Typically associated with tasks or roles that are burdensome, difficult, or likely to attract negative attention or criticism.

Unenviable meaning with examples

• Taking on the unenviable task of cleaning up after the party, Mark found himself surrounded by an overwhelming mess that no one else seemed willing to tackle. He couldn’t understand why everyone disappeared right after the final guests left, leaving him to deal with the aftermath, which included piles of unwashed dishes and a floor sticky with spilled drinks.
• As the manager of a struggling department, Sarah felt the pressure of her unenviable position. With dwindling morale and a budget that seemed to shrink each day, she knew her colleagues were looking to her for guidance. Yet, the weight of expectation was heavy, and she constantly grappled with the decision to take a bold risk or play it safe with their limited resources.
• In an unenviable twist of fate, they found themselves stranded on a remote island after their boat capsized. Survival became their only focus, as they had little food and no means of communication. Facing the harsh realities of nature, the group had to work together despite their differences to find shelter and resources, realizing the gravity of their desperate situation.
• Being the legal representative in a high-profile case involving a celebrity was an unenviable position for John. Everyone expected him to secure a favorable outcome, yet the public scrutiny and intense media attention made his job incredibly challenging. He had to navigate not only the legal complexities but also manage the constant barrage of opinion from the court of public perception.