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.
Steve’s first instinct is almost always to say something awful or unkind, and then Murray’s eyes flash a desire to take it back. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 Midterm elections have historically been unkind to the sitting president's political party, and Republicans have been sprinting to get their tax cut bill through quick enough to improve their political fortunes. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 10 June 2025 Though this year's macOS 26 Tahoe release was unkind to Intel Macs, the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 releases are more generous, dropping support for just two iPhone models and a single iPad. Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2025 His sharp tongue, and often unkind personality set this new form of Doctor against the fun and flamboyant incarnations that came previously. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 29 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkind. Accessed 26 Jun. 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
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