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

China and Russia each have to manage relationships with 14 neighbors, many of which are unfriendly or carry resentments from histories of conflict. — Robert B. Zoellick, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

The fan was greeted with some unfriendly chants on his way out of the ballpark. — James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

However, the winter weather can be unfriendly, which is where these Bushnell H2O 10x42 binoculars come in. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026

At the same time, even transgender activists are divided over supporting Democrats who have positions that are unfriendly to transgender people. — Steve Peoples, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 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