Uncharitable: meaning, definitions and examples

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uncharitable

[ˌʌnˈtʃærɪtəbl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Not generous or charitable in helping others; unkind or selfish.

Synonyms

mean, selfish, stingy, unkind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
uncharitable	Use this word when someone is being overly critical and not giving others the benefit of the doubt or kindness they deserve. Her uncharitable remarks about his performance were unnecessary. He was uncharitable in his assessment, not considering the effort she put in.
stingy	Ideal for someone who is unwilling to spend money or share resources even when it is necessary or appropriate. My boss is so stingy that he refuses to give us any bonuses. He's too stingy to donate to any charities, even though he can afford it.
selfish	Appropriate for describing someone who thinks only of their own needs and desires, often at the expense of others. John is very selfish, always putting his needs first. It was selfish of her to take the last piece of cake without asking.
unkind	A general term for someone who lacks compassion and kindness in their actions or words. Her unkind behavior towards her colleagues made her unpopular. It's unkind to ignore someone's feelings.
mean	This word fits best when describing someone who is deliberately hurtful and unpleasant. He is a mean person who enjoys making others feel bad. Her mean comments left him feeling really upset.

Examples of usage

He was criticized for his uncharitable remarks towards the homeless.
She refused to donate any money, showing her uncharitable nature.
The uncharitable actions of the company led to public outrage.
It is important to avoid uncharitable behavior towards those in need.
His uncharitable attitude alienated many of his colleagues.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the Old French word 'charitable', which means generous or kind.
The prefix 'un-' indicates a negative or opposite state.
Interestingly, 'charity' shares roots with the Latin 'caritas', meaning love or affection.

Philosophy

Throughout history, philosophers like Kant have discussed the importance of charity as a moral duty to help others.
In contrast, the concept of being uncharitable often relates to a lack of empathy or understanding towards those in need.
Some philosophical theories argue that uncharitable behavior can stem from ignorance or prejudice.

Social Psychology

Studies show that uncharitable attitudes can arise from cognitive biases, such as the 'just-world hypothesis', where people believe that others are in their situations due to their own actions.
In dual-process theory, people often react uncharitably in fast, emotional situations but can choose kindness when thoughtfully reflecting.
Social environments can influence behavior: groups that prioritize individualism may foster more uncharitable attitudes.

Literature

Characters demonstrating uncharitable traits often serve as antagonists, helping to highlight virtues like kindness and generosity.
Classic literature often uses uncharitable characters, like Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol', to illustrate the transformative power of generosity.
Themes of uncharitability versus charity are prevalent in works like 'Les Misérables', where characters learn the value of compassion.

Pop Culture

Movies and shows often depict uncharitable characters as the 'villains', emphasizing the importance of generosity in society.
Reality TV frequently highlights uncharitable behavior for drama, raising questions about empathy in modern society.
Social media can amplify uncharitable remarks, showcasing how online interactions sometimes lack the kindness expected in face-to-face conversations.

Translations

Translations of the word "uncharitable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sem caridade

🇮🇳 अपरोपकारी

🇩🇪 unbarmherzig

🇮🇩 tanpa amal

🇺🇦 нелюб'язний

🇵🇱 nieżyczliwy

🇯🇵 慈悲深くない

🇫🇷 peu charitable

🇪🇸 poco caritativo

🇹🇷 hayırsever olmayan

🇰🇷 자비롭지 않은

🇸🇦 غير خيري

🇨🇿 nevlídný

🇸🇰 neľútostný

🇨🇳 无慈悲的

🇸🇮 neusmiljen

🇮🇸 óvinsamlegur

🇰🇿 қайырымсыз

🇬🇪 უშენარშენ-მიოზი

🇦🇿 xeyirsevər olmayan

🇲🇽 poco caritativo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,796, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27793 speared
27794 listlessly
27795 hedonistic
27796 uncharitable
27797 analogously
27798 basketry
27799 daintily
...