unfilial

adjective

un·​fil·​ial ˌən-ˈfi-lē-əl How to pronounce unfilial (audio)
-ˈfil-yəl
: not observing the obligations of a child to a parent : undutiful
unfilially adverb

Examples of unfilial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not marrying and producing offspring is considered unfilial and Chinese society traditionally views the unmarried as less than full adults. Didi Kirsten Tatlow, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfilial was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near unfilial

Cite this Entry

“Unfilial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfilial. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

unfilial

adjective
un·​fil·​ial ˌən-ˈfil-ē-əl How to pronounce unfilial (audio)
ˈən-,
-ˈfil-yəl
: not observing the duties of a child to a parent
unfilially adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!