Select the meaning of the capital word in this sentence: Having spent hours preparing her research, Eirinn felt that her colleague's hasty rejection of her presentation was UNTOWARD and merited a formal complaint.

The word "untoward" in the context of the sentence indicates something that is inappropriate or not favorable. It describes an action or behavior that is considered to be against what is expected in a professional setting, especially in relation to her colleague's abrupt rejection of Eirinn's research presentation. Given that Eirinn spent significant time preparing her work, the colleague's reaction is deemed unacceptable, hence meriting a formal complaint. This aligns perfectly with the definition of "untoward" as inappropriate or unseemly behavior, reinforcing that the colleague’s response was not suitable or respectful under the circumstances.