Ungrateful — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌən-ˈgrāt-fəl/ un·grate·ful

Meaning & Definition of Ungrateful

Ungrateful (adjective)

  1. showing no gratitude
  2. disagreeable; also, thankless
  3. offensive to the senses

Ungrateful (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not likely to be appreciated by those who benefit

    "the park's custodial staff has the ungrateful job of cleaning up after the Independence Day party is over"

    similar: thankless, unappreciated
    related: uncredited, underappreciated, underrated, undervalued, unnoticed, unrecognized, unrewarded, unsung, unvalued
    opposite: appreciated
    near: credited, esteemed, honored, prized, recognized, regarded, rewarded, valued, creditable, meritorious, praiseworthy

  2. not showing gratitude

    "although the food was being provided for free, the ungrateful recipients could not refrain from complaining that it was not to their liking"

    similar: thankless, unappreciative
    related: rude, thoughtless, ungracious
    opposite: appreciative, grateful, obliged, thankful
    near: beholden, indebted, gratified, pleased, courteous, gracious, thoughtful

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Ungrateful

The most common words with a similar meaning to Ungrateful:

thankless, unappreciated, unappreciative

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Ungrateful

Words with the opposite meaning of Ungrateful:

appreciated, appreciative, grateful, obliged, thankful

Related Words for Ungrateful

uncredited, underappreciated, underrated, undervalued, unnoticed, unrecognized, unrewarded, unsung, unvalued, rude, thoughtless, ungracious

Near Antonyms of Ungrateful

credited, esteemed, honored, prized, recognized, regarded, rewarded, valued, creditable, meritorious, praiseworthy, beholden, indebted, gratified, pleased, courteous, gracious, thoughtful

Word Forms of Ungrateful

Derived words: ungratefully (adverb), ungratefulness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Ungrateful

First known use: 1533

Frequently Asked Questions about Ungrateful

What does "Ungrateful" mean?

"Ungrateful" means showing no gratitude. As an adjective, it is defined as: showing no gratitude. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Ungrateful"?

Other words for "Ungrateful" include thankless, unappreciated and unappreciative. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Ungrateful" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Ungrateful"?

There are 15 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Ungrateful". Common alternatives include thankless, unappreciated and unappreciative.

What is the opposite of "Ungrateful"?

Antonyms of "Ungrateful" include appreciated, appreciative, grateful, obliged and thankful. Near antonyms include credited, esteemed, honored and prized.

How do you use "Ungrateful" in a sentence?

Examples of "Ungrateful" in a sentence: "the park's custodial staff has the ungrateful job of cleaning up after the Independence Day party is over"; "although the food was being provided for free, the ungrateful recipients could not refrain from complaining that it was not to their liking".

Is "Ungrateful" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Ungrateful" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Ungrateful"?

"Ungrateful" is pronounced /ˌən-ˈgrāt-fəl/ and divided into syllables as un·grate·ful.

What is the origin of the word "Ungrateful"?

First known use: 1533.