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 Lions won three NFL championships in the 1950s, but the Super Bowl era has been unkind to the Detroit franchise: Two NFC Championship Game appearances in 59 years is as close as the Lions have come to the ultimate game. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2025 The month of September has been completely unkind to the Detroit Tigers. Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 Even if what the teacher says is outrageous, immoral or unkind, the state wouldn’t be allowed to discipline the teacher on those grounds alone, Carpenter said. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2025 But recent years have been unkind. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 17 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkind. Accessed 22 Oct. 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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