WordGarden.iounkind
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnkˈaɪnd/
US
- /ənˈkaɪnd/
Meanings
Adjective
not kind; inconsiderate or hurtful
Beyond the definition
Being unkind means acting in a way that hurts someone’s feelings or shows little care for them. It is more than simply being less friendly. It usually involves words or actions that feel cold, mean, or hurtful. A rude comment, leaving someone out on purpose, or laughing at another person’s mistake are all clear examples. Sometimes this kind of behavior comes from anger, and sometimes it comes from carelessness, but it still leaves the other person feeling bad. Think of Cinderella: her stepmother and stepsisters are a well-known example of this kind of behavior.
These actions are not always extreme, but they show a lack of empathy and can stay in someone’s mind for a long time. It is easy to act well when life feels smooth, but real character appears when we are upset or annoyed. Choosing kindness is almost always the better path.
The word "unkind" describes behavior that lacks compassion, consideration, or goodwill towards others. It goes beyond simply not being kind; it implies a deliberate or careless act that causes emotional pain, distress, or harm.
Unkindness can manifest in many ways—from harsh words and critical judgments to exclusion, bullying, or intentional disregard for someone's feelings. For example, spreading rumors about a classmate is unkind, as is ignoring someone who's clearly struggling. A seemingly small act, like refusing to help someone carry something heavy, could also be considered unkind if done without reason or empathy.
The root of "unkind" lies in the absence of kindness—that gentle quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. While everyone experiences moments of frustration or anger, consistently choosing unkind behavior can damage relationships and create a negative environment.
Historically, "unkind" carried a stronger sense of cruelty or even barbarity (connected to the idea of acting against one's own "kind" or nature). Today, while it still implies negativity, it often refers to more subtle forms of hurtful behavior. You might say, "It was unkind of him to point out her mistake in front of everyone," highlighting the public embarrassment caused by his action.
Ultimately, "unkind" serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences and that choosing kindness is essential for building positive relationships and fostering a more compassionate world. It's a word that encourages us to think before we speak or act, and to consider how our behavior might affect others.
Examples
- 1
Family
Please don't be unkind to your little brother.
- 2
Judging behavior
It was unkind of him to laugh when I made a mistake.
- Patternunkind of + person to + verb
not considerate or respectful
- 3
Apology
She apologized for the unkind things she had said.
- 4
Hurtful remark
I know you're upset, but that was an unkind remark.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Appearance criticism
The article was unkind about his appearance.
- Patternbe unkind about + topic
criticize it harshly
- 6
Figurative time
Time has not been unkind to the old theater.
- Phrasehas not been unkind to
has treated something fairly well over time
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- unkind words
- unkind remark
- be unkind to someone
- it was unkind of someone to do something
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unkindadjective