Unkind — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌən-ˈkīnd/ un·kind

Meaning & Definition of Unkind

Unkind (adjective)

  1. not pleasing or mild, inclement
  2. lacking in kindness or sympathy, harsh, cruel —often used with to

Unkind (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking in kindness, helpfulness, sympathy, etc.

    "an unkind remark"

    "unkind treatment"

    "It was unkind of you not to invite her."

    similar: discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, surly, uncivil, unfavorable, unmannerly, unpleasant, unsociable, adversarial, adversary, antagonistic, antipathetic, hostile, inhospitable, inimical, jaundiced, mortal, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic, adverse, argumentative, bellicose, belligerent, clashing, combative, conflicting, contentious, contrary, disputatious, militant, opposed, pugnacious, quarrelsome, resisting, scrappy, truculent, antisocial, cold, cool, disagreeable, disapproving, distant, frigid, icy, biased, prejudiced, acrimonious, bitter, despiteful, hateful, malevolent, malicious, malign, malignant, opprobrious, rancorous, spiteful, unloving, vindictive, virulent
    opposite: affectionate, devoted, kind, kindly, loving, nice, sweet, affable, amiable, amicable, civil, companionable, comradely, convivial, cordial, genial, good-natured, good-tempered, gracious, gregarious, neighborly, pleasant, sociable, social, warm, accepting, agreeable, approving, benign, empathetic, favorable, understanding, warmhearted, welcoming, friendly, hospitable, nonantagonistic, nonhostile, sympathetic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Unkind

The most common words with a similar meaning to Unkind:

discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, surly, uncivil, unfavorable, unmannerly, unpleasant, unsociable, adversarial, adversary, antagonistic, antipathetic, hostile, inhospitable, inimical, jaundiced, mortal, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic, adverse, argumentative, bellicose, belligerent, clashing, combative, conflicting, contentious, contrary, disputatious, militant, opposed, pugnacious, quarrelsome, resisting

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Unkind

Words with the opposite meaning of Unkind:

affectionate, devoted, kind, kindly, loving, nice, sweet, affable, amiable, amicable, civil, companionable, comradely, convivial, cordial, genial, good-natured, good-tempered, gracious, gregarious, neighborly, pleasant, sociable, social, warm, accepting, agreeable, approving, benign, empathetic

Word Forms of Unkind

Derived words: unkindness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Unkind

First known use: 13th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Unkind

What does "Unkind" mean?

"Unkind" means not pleasing or mild, inclement. As an adjective, it is defined as: not pleasing or mild, inclement.

What is another word for "Unkind"?

Other words for "Unkind" include discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude and surly. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Unkind" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Unkind"?

There are 66 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Unkind". Common alternatives include discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impertinent, impolite, inconsiderate, rude, surly, uncivil and unfavorable.

What is the opposite of "Unkind"?

Antonyms of "Unkind" include affectionate, devoted, kind, kindly, loving, nice, sweet and affable.

How do you use "Unkind" in a sentence?

Examples of "Unkind" in a sentence: "an unkind remark"; "unkind treatment"; "It was unkind of you not to invite her.".

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

"Unkind" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Unkind"?

"Unkind" is pronounced /ˌən-ˈkīnd/ and divided into syllables as un·kind.

What is the origin of the word "Unkind"?

First known use: 13th century.