unfriendly

adjective

un·​friend·​ly ˌən-ˈfren(d)-lē 

: not friendly: such as

a

: hostile, unsympathetic

an unfriendly nation

b

: inhospitable, unfavorable

Synonyms

• icy
• frigid
• cold
• chilly
• cool

Examples of unfriendly in a Sentence

They were very unfriendly to us.

the unfriendly looks quickly warmed when we were recognized as long-unseen relatives

Recent Examples on the Web

The decision now facing President Donald Trump on Iran over whether to try to overthrow an unfriendly government is one that previous commanders-in-chief have wrestled with in countries from Iraq to Cuba − often with catastrophic consequences. —Susan Page, USA Today, 19 June 2025

Put differently, an unintended consequence of restricting access to technology to potentially unfriendly countries might not only hamper one of the U.S.′ most successful companies. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 29 May 2025

Easier said than done in an unfriendly and unfamiliar environment. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 16 May 2025

The recent 12-day military conflict between Israel and Iran caused concerns about an economically unfriendly oil shock. —Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unfriendly

• friendly

Kids Definition

unfriendly

adjective

un·​friend·​ly ˌən-ˈfren-(d)lē 

1

: not friendly or kind : hostile

an unfriendly greeting

2

: not agreeable

an unfriendly environment

unfriendliness noun