unkindly

1 of 2

adjective

un·​kind·​ly ˌən-ˈkīn(d)-lē How to pronounce unkindly (audio)
Synonyms of unkindlynext
: not kindly
unkindliness noun

unkindliness

2 of 2

noun

un·​kindliness
"+
: the quality or state of being unkindly

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English unkindlinesse, from unkindly + -nesse -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unkindly was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing unkindly

Rhymes for unkindly

See All Rhymes for unkindly

Browse Nearby Words

unkindliness
unkindly
unking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unkindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkindly. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unkindly

adjective
un·​kind·​ly
ˌən-ˈkīn-(d)lē
: unkind
unkindliness noun

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