Unfriendly: meaning, definitions and examples

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unfriendly

[ʌnˈfrɛndli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

social interaction

Not kind or pleasant; behaving in a way that is not friendly or sympathetic.

Synonyms

cold, hostile, unsociable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfriendly	Describes a person or behavior that is not welcoming or kind in general interactions. The new neighbor seems unfriendly since he never says hello. Her unfriendly attitude made it difficult for others to approach her.
hostile	Describes an individual or situation that is openly antagonistic or aggressive. This term often indicates active opposition or enmity and can carry a strong negative connotation. The hostile crowd began to shout angrily at the speaker. He received a hostile reception from the committee.
unsociable	Refers to a preference for being alone or having little interaction with others, often due to shyness or personal choice rather than ill-will. She is unsociable and prefers to spend her evenings reading rather than going out. His unsociable nature made it difficult for him to make friends.
cold	Used to characterize someone who lacks warmth in their interactions and emotional expressions. This term often implies a sense of emotional distance. His cold response to her problem made her feel even worse. She gave him a cold stare, showing no signs of empathy.

Examples of usage

She gave me an unfriendly look.
His manner was cold and unfriendly.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

environment

Not offering or showing any help or support; not hospitable.

Synonyms

inhospitable, uncooperative, unwelcoming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfriendly	Use this when someone is not kind or pleasant to others, often in social or casual interactions. The new neighbor seemed unfriendly and didn't even smile when we greeted her. The staff at the café were unfriendly and didn't offer any help.
inhospitable	Appropriate when referring to environments or places that are harsh, difficult to live in, or when people are unwelcoming in a formal or severe manner. The desert is an inhospitable place for most plants and animals. The host's inhospitable attitude discouraged any future visits.
unwelcoming	Suited for describing places, environments, or people that do not offer a friendly or inviting atmosphere. The cold, gray office was unwelcoming and made everyone feel uncomfortable. Her unwelcoming demeanor made it hard for new members to feel included.
uncooperative	Mention this when someone is unwilling to work with others or to follow instructions, typically in teamwork or collaborative settings. The employee was uncooperative during the project, refusing to share information. The kids were uncooperative, making it difficult to organize the game.

Examples of usage

The unfriendly environment made it difficult to relax.
The unfriendly staff did not make us feel welcome.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

technology

Not easy to use or understand; not user-friendly.

Synonyms

complicated, difficult, non-intuitive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfriendly	This word is best used to describe people, environments, or things that are harsh, unwelcoming, or not kind. It can also refer to software and interfaces that are hard to use because they are not user-friendly. The new manager is quite unfriendly and hard to approach. The software interface is unfriendly and confusing for new users.
difficult	This word describes something that requires a lot of effort, skill, or hard work to do, understand, or deal with. It can be applied to tasks, people, or situations. The exam was incredibly difficult and many students failed. He is a difficult person to work with because he never listens.
complicated	Use this word when referring to something that has many intricate parts or is hard to understand due to its complexity. This can apply to situations, systems, technologies, and tasks. The instructions for assembling the furniture are very complicated. Her relationship with her parents is complicated.
non-intuitive	Typically used in contexts involving design, technology, or processes, this word describes something that does not follow expected or normal patterns, making it hard to use or understand without specific instructions. The new software update is non-intuitive and hard to navigate. The controls for the machine are non-intuitive, requiring extensive training.

Examples of usage

The new software was unfriendly and confusing.
The unfriendly interface made it hard to navigate.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word combines 'un,' meaning 'not,' with 'friendly,' which comes from the Old English 'freond,' meaning 'friend.'
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, capturing the essence of not being supportive or warm-hearted.

Psychology

Research indicates that unfriendly behavior can stem from anxiety or past negative experiences with others.
People are often perceived as unfriendly when they exhibit closed body language, like crossed arms or lack of eye contact.

Social Interactions

In social settings, unfriendly behavior can create a ripple effect, leading to tension and discomfort among peers.
Children usually learn to express friendliness through play, so being unfriendly might signal they need help sharing or resolving conflicts.

Literature

Unfriendly characters often represent antagonistic forces, creating conflict in stories, illustrating a struggle against isolation or resentment.
In classic tales, unfriendly figures can serve as a catalyst for the protagonist's growth, pushing them to find allies and understanding.

Pop Culture

Many films portray unfriendly characters as sidekicks or rivals, adding humor or tension to the main character's journey.
In memes and social media, being described as unfriendly can often be funny, playing off awkward moments or misunderstandings.

Translations

Translations of the word "unfriendly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hostil

🇮🇳 अमित्र

🇩🇪 unfreundlich

🇮🇩 tidak ramah

🇺🇦 недружній

🇵🇱 nieprzyjazny

🇯🇵 不親切な

🇫🇷 inamicaux

🇪🇸 antipático

🇹🇷 dostça olmayan

🇰🇷 비우호적인

🇸🇦 غير ودود

🇨🇿 nepřátelský

🇸🇰 nepriateľský

🇨🇳 不友好的

🇸🇮 neprijazen

🇮🇸 óvingjarnlegur

🇰🇿 дос емес

🇬🇪 არამეგობრული

🇦🇿 dost olmayan

🇲🇽 antipático

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,460, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15457 polypeptide
15458 ambush
15459 dutiable
15460 unfriendly
15461 wan
15462 blueprint
15463 recessed
...