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as in ungrateful
not showing gratitude a thankless boss who seems oblivious to the extra effort his subordinates have made

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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 thankless Indeed, figuring out where the rapturous, realistic Carpathian geography ends and the effects wizardry begins is something of a thankless (and, to be honest, buzzkilly) endeavor. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 Here, Munir may be vaccinating chickens rather than grabbing them on their way to slaughter, but the work is just as thankless and cruel. Bartolomeo Sala, The Dial, 27 Mar. 2025 The job of athletic director can be a thankless one. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2025 Rebooting a horror franchise is a thankless task that usually fails, but 2022's resuscitation of meta-horror series Scream hit all the right notes. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for thankless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thankless
Adjective
  • If allegations against Tyler Perry are proven, distancing themselves to protect their brand will still appear opportunistic and ungrateful.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
  • Those comments, however, frustrated several former White House officials, who said that Wayne seemed ungrateful, and believed that the rapper had played Trump and his advisers, like son-in-law Jared Kushner, into helping him.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Downtown's historic gem As tourists wander by in search of cowboy boots and a beer, the 1820s-era building at 104 Fifth Ave S. often goes unnoticed.
    Alessia Sandala, The Tennessean, 12 July 2025
  • That rudeness did not go unnoticed, and on Swag, Justin is still airing out their arguments.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Most commenters support the original poster, writing that the aunt and uncle are the rude people in this situation.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 10 July 2025
  • Stand up to anyone who bullies you, and call people out who are rude or behaving badly.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Via Buckley, the great unappreciated thread in American conservatism may well be the Hispanic one.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • People feel unappreciated and lose respect for and trust in the leader.
    Harry Kraemer, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Apparently, the jabs and insults from his unappreciative guest kept coming.
    Gil Macias, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Complaining about the food, comparing it to other meals, or ignoring efforts made by the host also comes across as disrespectful and unappreciative.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Thankless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thankless. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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