불리하다
Being in an unfavorable or disadvantageous position or condition. It implies that a situation is likely to cause loss or failure.
Examples
3 of 5현재 시장 상황이 수출 기업에 불리합니다.
The current market situation is unfavorable for exporting companies.
피고인에게 불리한 증언이 쏟아졌다.
A flood of testimony unfavorable to the defendant came out.
늦게 시작하면 우리한테 불리해.
If we start late, it's a disadvantage for us.
Word Family
Memory Tip
'Bul' (Fire) is 'Li' (Advantageous)? No, 'Bul' (No) 'Li' (Advantage) = No advantage.
Quick Quiz
준비가 안 된 상태로 시험을 보는 것은 학생에게 ( ).
Correct!
The correct answer is: 불리하다
Examples
현재 시장 상황이 수출 기업에 불리합니다.
businessThe current market situation is unfavorable for exporting companies.
피고인에게 불리한 증언이 쏟아졌다.
formalA flood of testimony unfavorable to the defendant came out.
늦게 시작하면 우리한테 불리해.
informalIf we start late, it's a disadvantage for us.
이 이론은 데이터의 부족으로 인해 학계에서 불리한 평가를 받았다.
academicThis theory received an unfavorable evaluation in academia due to a lack of data.
비가 오면 야외 행사를 하기에 불리해요.
everydayIt is disadvantageous to hold an outdoor event if it rains.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
불리한 상황을 타개하다
to overcome an unfavorable situation
절대적으로 불리하다
to be at an absolute disadvantage
불리한 계약을 맺다
to sign an unfavorable contract
Often Confused With
불리하다 means being in a bad position, while 부당하다 means something is unfair or unjust.
Usage Notes
Often used to describe a strategic or competitive situation where one side is likely to lose.
Common Mistakes
Do not confuse it with '분리하다' (to separate).
Memory Tip
'Bul' (Fire) is 'Li' (Advantageous)? No, 'Bul' (No) 'Li' (Advantage) = No advantage.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 不 (not) + 利 (profit/advantage).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
준비가 안 된 상태로 시험을 보는 것은 학생에게 ( ).
Correct!
The correct answer is: 불리하다
Related Vocabulary
More business words
보류하다
B2To delay or postpone a decision or action until a later time.
원활하다
B1To be smooth, fluid, or unimpeded. It is often used to describe communication, traffic flow, or the progress of a task.
진입장벽
B2Factors that prevent or make it difficult for new competitors to enter a specific market or industry.
확장
B2The act of making something larger in size, area, range, or scope; expansion.
적합성
B2The quality or state of being suitable, appropriate, or fit for a particular purpose or situation.
절차
B2A series of actions that are done in a particular order to achieve a result.
현황
B2The current state or situation of an affair or organization.
불확실성
B2The state of being uncertain or unreliable; lack of certainty.
절감하다
B2To reduce or cut down on expenses, energy, or time; also to feel something deeply or keenly (metaphorical).
조달하다
B2To procure, raise, or supply necessary funds, materials, or resources.
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