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 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 But Donald Trump has said some unkind things about Mexicans. Sean Gregory, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024 But time has been unkind to these Sienese artists, who are only given a brief mention in Art History 101 courses, where Florentine painters still exert a strong, centrifugal force. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 11 Oct. 2024 One night while doing homework, my son told me about a classmate who had been unkind to him. Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unkind 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unkind.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 31 Oct. 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
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