unfriendly

adjective

un·​friend·​ly ˌən-ˈfren(d)-lē How to pronounce unfriendly (audio)
Synonyms of unfriendlynext
: not friendly: such as
a
: hostile, unsympathetic
an unfriendly nation

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
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.
Both women withstood some ridiculously unfriendly scrutiny. Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 There was a time when getting credentialed to cover games felt like pulling teeth for outlets perceived as unfriendly to the league. Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026 Vienna is often listed in international rankings as an unfriendly city. Dennis Braatz, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026 But Heger said the irony is Ecuador is unfriendly toward Venezuelans. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unfriendly

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unfriendly was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unfriendly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfriendly. Accessed 27 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

unfriendly

adjective
un·​friend·​ly ˌən-ˈfren-(d)lē How to pronounce unfriendly (audio)
1
: not friendly or kind : hostile
an unfriendly greeting
2
: not agreeable
an unfriendly environment
unfriendliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on unfriendly

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster