unkind

adjective

un·​kind ˌən-ˈkīnd 

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

ˌən-ˈkīn(d)-nəs 

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

Doctors of the time were woefully unable to treat her—and their contemporaries were notoriously unkind about her condition. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 21 Sep. 2026

Criticism helpful to a stage performer during rehearsal may be unkind on opening night. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

According to Winfrey, 72, the duo’s entrance sparked some unkind reactions online. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026

Jones shattered, the way this league can crush a QB if the fates are unkind. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unkind

• aligned
• alined
• assigned
• behind
• combined
• confined
• consigned
• crosswind
• declined
• defined
• designed
• divined

Kids Definition

unkind

adjective

un·​kind ˌən-ˈkīnd 

: not kind or sympathetic

an unkind remark

unkindly adverb

unkindness

-ˈkīn(d)-nəs 

noun