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

Buttigieg has proven an able sparring partner with Fox News personalities, showing how Democrats can go into unfriendly territory and hold their own. — Philip Elliott, Time, 2 Nov. 2026

With an unfriendly Congress, decisions about who pays and where cuts are made will also test Lula’s ability to negotiate. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026

However, not everyone’s experience has been as friendly, with Miley Cyrus, Chloë Sevigny and Jessica Alba sharing frightening stories of unfriendly spirits. — Lydia Price, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2026

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

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