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.
Moving forward, Heughan warns fans that Jamie’s response to Claire and Lord John’s activities in his absence will be surprising and unkind. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 7 Dec. 2024 Most people don’t go to work with the intention of being unkind. Anna Shields, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Playing the 81-year-old president as aghast, confused, and inarticulate could easily amount to an unkind impersonation, but in Carvey’s masterful hands, there is zero heightening — only dead-on accuracy. Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024 Interacting with family that hurt him in the past is likely triggering, but some of his behavior goes beyond self-protective and has become unkind. R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 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 17 Dec. 2024.

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!