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

View gallery - 5 images The business of paying respect to the dead can be an eco-unfriendly matter, whether opting for a wooden coffin that contributes to deforestation, or a cremation service that produces carbon emissions. —New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2025

Kennedy has taken some unfriendly fire along the way from Lizza. —Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 Dec. 2025

Outlook used to be complex and unfriendly, but Microsoft has replaced it with a far sleeker and faster version, which is surprisingly pleasant to work with. —PC Magazine, 22 Nov. 2025

Some may have wandered away from their homes, and others may be ferals, which are known for being unfriendly and potentially dangerous. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 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