Unkindness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˌən-ˈkīnd/ un·kind

Meaning & Definition of Unkindness

Unkindness (adjective)

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

Unkindness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in thoughtlessness, unconcern

    similar: inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, unconcern, carelessness
    opposite: care, carefulness, lovingness, solicitousness, solicitude, concern, considerateness, consideration, kindness, thoughtfulness, babying, coddling, pampering

  2. as in cruelty, brutality

    similar: barbarity, barbarousness, bestiality, brutality, brutishness, cold-bloodedness, cruelty, heartlessness, inhumanity, savageness, savagery, unfeelingness, unkindliness, hatefulness, malevolence, maliciousness, meanness, spitefulness, virulence, vitriol, mercilessness, ruthlessness, boorishness, discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, rudeness, ungraciousness, audaciousness, audacity, brashness, brass, brassiness, brazenness, cheek, cheekiness, chutzpah, crust, effrontery, face, gall, nerve, nerviness, pertness, presumption, presumptuousness, sauce, sauciness, temerity, grimness, toughness, sourness, vinegar, hostility, unfriendliness, contentiousness, contrariness, orneriness, quarrelsomeness, querulousness
    opposite: benignity, gentleness, kindliness, kindness, affability, agreeability, agreeableness, amenity, amiability, amiableness, geniality, good-naturedness, good-temperedness, graciousness, niceness, personableness, pleasantness, sweetness, beneficence, benevolence, benignancy, compassionateness, good-heartedness, humaneness, kindheartedness, softheartedness, tenderheartedness, warmheartedness

Related Entry: Unkind (adjective)

Unkind is a different word from Unkindness. The synonyms below are for unkind, not for unkindness.

  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 Unkindness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Unkindness:

inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, unconcern, carelessness, barbarity, barbarousness, bestiality, brutality, brutishness, cold-bloodedness, cruelty, heartlessness, inhumanity, savageness, savagery, unfeelingness, unkindliness, hatefulness, malevolence, maliciousness, meanness, spitefulness, virulence, vitriol, mercilessness, ruthlessness, boorishness, discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, rudeness, ungraciousness, audaciousness, audacity, brashness, brass, brassiness, brazenness, cheek

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Unkindness

Words with the opposite meaning of Unkindness:

care, carefulness, lovingness, solicitousness, solicitude, concern, considerateness, consideration, kindness, thoughtfulness, babying, coddling, pampering, benignity, gentleness, kindliness, affability, agreeability, agreeableness, amenity, amiability, amiableness, geniality, good-naturedness, good-temperedness, graciousness, niceness, personableness, pleasantness, sweetness

Word Forms of Unkindness

Derived words: unkindness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Unkindness

First known use: 13th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Unkindness

What does "Unkindness" mean?

"Unkindness" means not pleasing or mild, inclement. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: not pleasing or mild, inclement. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Unkindness"?

Other words for "Unkindness" include inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, unconcern, carelessness, barbarity, barbarousness and bestiality. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Unkindness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Unkindness"?

There are 65 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Unkindness". Common alternatives include inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, unconcern, carelessness, barbarity, barbarousness, bestiality, brutality and brutishness.

What is the opposite of "Unkindness"?

Antonyms of "Unkindness" include care, carefulness, lovingness, solicitousness, solicitude, concern, considerateness and consideration.

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

"Unkindness" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Unkindness"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Unkindness"?

First known use: 13th century.

What is another word for "Unkindness" meaning "as in thoughtlessness, unconcern"?

When "Unkindness" (noun) means as in thoughtlessness, unconcern, synonyms include inconsiderateness, inconsideration, thoughtlessness, unconcern and carelessness. Opposites in this sense include care, carefulness, lovingness and solicitousness.