unkind

adjective

un·​kind ˌən-ˈkīnd How to pronounce unkind (audio)
1
: not pleasing or mild : inclement
an unkind climate
2
: lacking in kindness or sympathy : harsh, cruel
unkindness noun

Examples of unkind in a Sentence

It was unkind of you not to invite her. How could you be so unkind?
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.
In a globalized, corporate, shifting world that can feel unkind to consumers, the fight for Mt. Bachelor is about the desire to capture something cherished and put it back in the hands of the people who love it most. John Branch, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 To use his own words against him is unkind, but with a million people relying on him, Dan Campbell crumpled under the pressure. Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 19 Jan. 2025 In fighters’ defense, they’ve been forced into that posture as the sport has been unkind to guys with losses on their records over the past 25 years. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Many arguments or discussions are often shut down simply because they’re considered unkind, judgy, or not in the undefined spirit of BookTok. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unkind 

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unkind was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near unkind

Cite this Entry

“Unkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkind. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

unkind

adjective
un·​kind ˌən-ˈkīnd How to pronounce unkind (audio)
: not kind or sympathetic
an unkind remark
unkindly adverb
unkindness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unkind

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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