as in distant
having or showing a lack of friendliness or interest in others
an unsociable but not an overtly rude child
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Recent Examples of unsociable
Hospitality fared well in Deputy’s study, making up half of the 10 happiest job sectors, despite the sector’s reputation for high stress, unsociable hours, and low pay.
—
Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2025
Ask Amy: My unsociable neighbor doesn't know about me and his wife.
—Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 2 June 2024
To drink too much would be inexcusable; to drink too little would be unsociable.
—Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Feb. 2024
Pact and Bectu have been negotiating over terms of their new collective bargaining agreement since last year, with the crew union wanting more conditions in place regarding unsociable hours and the producers’ body saying that many of the requests are unworkable.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 Aug. 2022
For instance, long and unsociable hours are commonplace, and while this is in part due to the shortage of skilled personnel, there is also a cultural element to this that prohibits many from considering it a viable career.
—Adi Gaskell, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2021
The social media generation is increasingly clueless and unsociable.
—Susan Glaser, cleveland, 1 Mar. 2020
Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2025
Ask Amy: My unsociable neighbor doesn't know about me and his wife.
—Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 2 June 2024
To drink too much would be inexcusable; to drink too little would be unsociable.
—Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 2 Feb. 2024
Pact and Bectu have been negotiating over terms of their new collective bargaining agreement since last year, with the crew union wanting more conditions in place regarding unsociable hours and the producers’ body saying that many of the requests are unworkable.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 Aug. 2022
For instance, long and unsociable hours are commonplace, and while this is in part due to the shortage of skilled personnel, there is also a cultural element to this that prohibits many from considering it a viable career.
—Adi Gaskell, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2021
The social media generation is increasingly clueless and unsociable.
—Susan Glaser, cleveland, 1 Mar. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsociable
Adjective
-
Genealogy investigations have had major success stories Successfully using the DNA of distant family members to profile and narrow down suspects had an extraordinarily high-profile debut in 2018, when it was used to solve the cold case of the Golden State Killer.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The oldest American woman to compete in the women’s singles event in nearly a century now sits in a distant 13th place ahead of the 4-minute free skate on Thursday night.—
Brittany Ghiroli,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Senate Bill 1277 would cut text limiting what counts as an ADU, essentially allowing detached ADUs with the same consideration as apartments inside a home.—
Mark Dee,
Idaho Statesman,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Yes, all of these songs coast primarily on vibes—Joji’s delivery remains detached and clinical throughout—but at least the vibes are compelling.—
Mehan Jayasuriya,
Pitchfork,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Gophers and Ducks were both ice cold in the first half, with the U holding an unsightly 22-13 lead.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
18 Feb. 2026
-
The Antarctic Ocean is heavily layered, or stratified, to a depth of around 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) because of conflicting properties including colder, denser water from below not readily mixing with fresh water running off melting ice from above.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
However, the system isn't completely antisocial.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Trump is at once a symptom of this disease and its apotheosis, a living representation of all the ways the United States has encouraged, tolerated and rewarded the most selfish and antisocial behaviors imaginable, at least among a certain class of person.—
Jamelle Bouie,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The backstory The 34-year-old hotel is amid years-long renovations, ensuring this old favorite stays relevant and cool.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
This New York Fashion Week, Anna Sui's show brought together a nostalgic, indie-cool twist on boho chic.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unsociable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsociable. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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