unfriendly

adjective

un·​friend·​ly ˌən-ˈfren(d)-lē 

: not friendly: such as

a

: hostile, unsympathetic

an unfriendly nation

b

: inhospitable, unfavorable

Synonyms of unfriendly

• icy
• cold
• frigid
• 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

Pittsburg State’s Bid Day activities took place last Friday in late afternoon, which meant the balloons had to be installed during the unfriendly heat of the day. — Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026

But although nearly half the region’s population is under age 18, its cities are often unfriendly places to grow up – crowded, poorly planned, and unsafe. — Ryan Lenora Brown, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Aug. 2026

Gamers, developers and advocates, including USC experts and local gamers, warn the new owners and heavy debt could reshape EA’s content, spur layoffs and normalize more aggressive, consumer-unfriendly monetization across the industry. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2026

It’s commonly seen as too loud, too expensive, too unhealthy, too environmentally unfriendly, and an unnecessary eyesore that requires a lot of red tape between landlords and city permits to procure. — Morgan Simon, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

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