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.
Your friend thought about, wrote and got caught writing something unkind about you. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025 Groom ‘Upset’ That Bride Excluded His Mom and Sister from Her Wedding Dress Shopping Appointment Not long after, the bride and her fiancé stopped by M's house, and M made an unkind comment about the bride having gained weight. Erin Clack, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025 In the wake of this tragedy, the family has been heartbroken to see that certain individuals have chosen to profit from their grief, spreading false and unkind stories about their mother. Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2025 Our oldest is a teenager and can see the unkind things being said online. Escher Walcott, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unkind.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkind. Accessed 22 Apr. 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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