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

But as Beijing hardens its ties with Russia, North Korea and other nations unfriendly to the West, the emergence of two camps and the contest between them appears clearer than ever. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025

Now, even polls which have been historically unfriendly to Republicans are showing him with a huge lead over any potential opponent. —Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025

That isn’t just bad for competitors that might lack political clout or, heaven forbid, are on unfriendly terms with the president. —Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Erin is outrunning some slightly unfriendly conditions for the next few days. —Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 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