unkind

adjective

Definition of unkindnext
as in rude
lacking in kindness, helpfulness, sympathy, etc. an unkind remark unkind treatment It was unkind of you not to invite her.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unkind Criticism helpful to a stage performer during rehearsal may be unkind on opening night. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 Jones shattered, the way this league can crush a QB if the fates are unkind. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 July 2026 During the first game, the Fever’s Caitlin Clark and the Mercury’s DeWanna Bonner got tangled up, said some unkind things, and five players wound up with technical fouls in the aftermath. — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 2 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for unkind
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unkind
  1. rude
  2. unpleasant
  3. unfavorable
  4. inconsiderate
  5. discourteous
  6. impolite
Adjective
  • While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Bel glows with a kind of rude Californian health and goes once a week for chiropractic adjustments, including of her jaw.
    — Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of rude
Adjective
  • From a computational perspective, Friston argues, attempting to reduce uncertainty—basically, working to avoid unpleasant surprises—is the brain’s primary goal.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Adapted by Duffield and Daniel Kraus from Kraus’ 2023 novel, this spectacularly unpleasant underwater adventure delivers on its premise with effects that are graphic, fascinating, and occasionally beautiful.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of unpleasant
Adjective
  • The most egregious perpetrators of fraud in the industry were corrupt doctors who were paid by patients to send insurance companies medical examination reports that omitted unfavorable findings.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Democratic socialism is underwater by 22 points, 37% of Americans are favorable and 59% are unfavorable.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of unfavorable
Adjective
  • Before assuming someone is being inconsiderate, ask what’s keeping them there.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
  • When Venus opposes Saturn on August 21, someone’s likely going to be fed up with someone else’s inconsiderate behavior.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026
Definition of inconsiderate
Adjective
  • Some do this flippantly, but reader Robin suggested drivers who do this do not care and are flat-out discourteous.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 11 Jan. 2026
  • In 2014, he was found to have been discourteous and used force.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of discourteous
Adjective
  • Joyful noise and other, impolite sounds radiated from the sets oscillating between the two sites.
    — Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Simply hide the ninja figures and wait for your unsuspecting victim to walk by when out of nowhere, the motion activation lets loose a very impolite noise sure to have your kids rolling.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of impolite

Browse Nearby Words

unkept
unkind
unkindliness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unkind. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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