unkind

adjective

un·​kind ˌən-ˈkīnd How to pronounce unkind (audio)
Synonyms of unkindnext
1
: not pleasing or mild : inclement
an unkind climate
2
: lacking in kindness or sympathy : harsh, cruel
How could you be so unkind?
often used with to
regretted being unkind to her little brother
Fate was unkind to them. [=they were unlucky]
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To them, he will be remembered as a cold, heartless businessman and a shamefully unkind man of the cloth who focused way too much on socializing, traveling and furthering his own agenda. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026 Currently, Republicans hold narrow margins in both chambers -- but midterm cycles are historically unkind to the sitting president's party. Emily Chang, ABC News, 2 Feb. 2026 The comments were unkind to me. Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026 Screams at the refs, unkind words hurled at McMillan as the team made its exit. Tony Catalina, Houston Chronicle, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unkind

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkind. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

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

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