unfriendly

adjective

un·​friend·​ly ˌən-ˈfren(d)-lē 

: not friendly: such as

a

: hostile, unsympathetic

an unfriendly nation

b

: inhospitable, unfavorable

Synonyms

• icy
• frigid
• cold
• 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

At the same time, she's also had to learn how to handle unfriendly — and sometimes crude — commentary. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 17 June 2025

Mining boosters argued that the deep sea could provide a crucial alternative to terrestrial mineral markets controlled by potentially unfriendly postcolonial governments. —Time, 17 June 2025

And the friendly confines remain extremely unfriendly to the Rockies, who were swept by the Cubs on Wednesday in Chicago in a 2-1 defeat. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 28 May 2025

Not quite unfriendly, but things have been on ice ever since, at least according to McDonald. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 29 May 2025

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