unkind

adjective

un·​kind ˌən-ˈkīnd How to pronounce unkind (audio)
1
: not pleasing or mild : inclement
an unkind climate
2
: lacking in kindness or sympathy : harsh, cruel
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 first risk is asking friends and family to believe in you and cut a check, which can be a humbling and sometimes unkind process. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025 Silver, which has always been seen as an alternative to gold even to the point of acquiring an unkind nickname of the poor man’s gold, might enable members of the BRIC group to push on with their plan to break free of the dollar. Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 The Hays Code ended in ’68, but despite the forward strides of the American movie industry, Hollywood could remain an unkind place for women. Mayukh Sen, The Atlantic, 9 July 2025 Her parents are too busy to give her undivided attention, her best friend Vali is starting to hang out more with a classmate who’s often unkind, and her favorite teacher is retiring. Caroline Carlson august 1, Literary Hub, 1 Aug. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkind. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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