Ungrateful: meaning, definitions and examples
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ungrateful
[ ʌnˈɡreɪtfʊl ]
feeling or showing no gratitude
Ungrateful is used to describe someone who does not appreciate or acknowledge kindness or help given to them. It implies a lack of thankfulness or gratitude towards others.
Synonyms
ingrate, thankless, unappreciative.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ungrateful |
Used to describe someone who does not show gratitude or appreciation for something done for them. Generally has a negative connotation.
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| thankless |
Often used to describe tasks or jobs that do not receive adequate thanks or recognition. Usually refers to the effort rather than the individual.
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| unappreciative |
Describes someone who fails to recognize the value or effort of others. Negative, but less strong than 'ingrate'.
|
| ingrate |
Specifically refers to a person who is not thankful. Used more as a label and has a stronger negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He was ungrateful for all the support he received during his difficult times.
- She always seemed ungrateful for the efforts her friends made to help her.
- The ungrateful attitude of the students towards their teachers was disappointing.
not willing to show gratitude or thanks
Ungrateful can also refer to a person who is unwilling to express thanks or acknowledge the efforts or kindness of others. It suggests a sense of entitlement or lack of appreciation.
Synonyms
unacknowledging, ungracious, unthankful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ungrateful |
Use 'ungrateful' when someone fails to show appreciation for something that was done for them, especially with a sense of entitlement.
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| unthankful |
Use 'unthankful' when someone doesn't express gratitude, often in a way that seems more passive or detached compared to 'ungrateful'.
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| ungracious |
Use 'ungracious' when someone behaves rudely or lacks courtesy, typically in response to someone else's kind gesture.
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| unacknowledging |
Use 'unacknowledging' when someone doesn't recognize or admit the presence or importance of something or someone.
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Examples of usage
- Despite all the help he received, he remained ungrateful and never said thank you.
- Her ungrateful behavior towards her parents was hurtful and disappointing.
- The ungrateful response from the customer left the service provider feeling unappreciated.
Translations
Translations of the word "ungrateful" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ingrato
🇮🇳 अकृतज्ञ (akṛtagya)
🇩🇪 undankbar
🇮🇩 tidak tahu terima kasih
🇺🇦 невдячний
🇵🇱 niewdzięczny
🇯🇵 感謝しない (kansha shinai)
🇫🇷 ingrat
🇪🇸 desagradecido
🇹🇷 nankör
🇰🇷 감사하지 않는 (gamsahaji anneun)
🇸🇦 ناكر للجميل (naakir liljamīl)
🇨🇿 nevděčný
🇸🇰 nevďačný
🇨🇳 忘恩负义的 (wàng'ēnfùyì de)
🇸🇮 nehvaležen
🇮🇸 vanþakklát
🇰🇿 шүкірсіз (şükirsiz)
🇬🇪 უღირსი (ughersi)
🇦🇿 nankor
🇲🇽 desagradecido
Etymology
The word 'ungrateful' has roots in Old English and Middle English, with the prefix 'un-' indicating negation or lack of something. The concept of gratitude and thankfulness has been valued in various cultures throughout history, making the lack of gratitude expressed by someone notable. The word highlights the importance of acknowledging kindness and expressing appreciation in social interactions.
See also: gratefully.