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.
Many arguments or discussions are often shut down simply because they’re considered unkind, judgy, or not in the undefined spirit of BookTok. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2024 The legal drama is being dumped in less than 50 screens this weekend, an unkind fate for a film critics call a decent programmer. Nate Jones, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024 Moving forward, Heughan warns fans that Jamie’s response to Claire and Lord John’s activities in his absence will be surprising and unkind. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 7 Dec. 2024 Most people don’t go to work with the intention of being unkind. Anna Shields, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near unkind

Cite this Entry

“Unkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkind. Accessed 21 Jan. 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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