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.
The market is now doing what project-finance investors are meant to do, testing the cash flow and asking who is left holding the risk if the day of refinancing is unkind. Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 The action starts at Long Island’s historically unkind Shinnecock Hills on Thursday. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 15 June 2026 The mother-in-law tends to be very negative, and is known to say unkind things about whoever isn’t present. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 10 June 2026 Hating on conservatives is fine, but saying something unkind about progressive ideology, individuals or groups is another matter altogether. Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 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 19 Jun. 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

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