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 The woman is matter-of-fact but not unkind; why not show this kid something about how to conduct herself? Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024 Other species also look for respite from the unkind weather — specifically mammals that carry pathogens. Shiv Sudhakar, NBC News, 23 July 2024 The early modern world was unkind to common people, and conditions on merchant and naval ships, where many pirates had begun their careers, were especially appalling. Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024 But this week has been unkind to even the best Orioles. Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 13 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for unkind 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unkind.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near unkind

Cite this Entry

“Unkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkind. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

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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