Ungrateful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
ungrateful
[สnหษกreษชtfสl ]
Definitions
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
|
| unthankful |
Use 'unthankful' when someone doesn't express gratitude, often in a way that seems more passive or detached compared to 'ungrateful'.
|
| ungracious |
Use 'ungracious' when someone behaves rudely or lacks courtesy, typically in response to someone else's kind gesture.
|
| unacknowledging |
Use 'unacknowledging' when someone doesn't recognize or admit the presence or importance of something or someone.
|
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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that feeling ungrateful can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression in individuals.
- Cultivating gratitude has been linked to improved relationships and increased happiness, suggesting the importance of being thankful.
Literature
- Ungratefulness is a common theme in many stories, often depicted as a flawed character failing to recognize the kindness of others.
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often face dire consequences for their ingratitude, reinforcing moral lessons about appreciation.
Pop Culture
- Songs and movies often depict ungrateful characters who fail to appreciate love and kindness, serving as cautionary tales.
- In childrenโs stories, characters who are ungrateful frequently learn lessons about gratitude, enriching moral lessons.
Social Norms
- Culturally, showing gratitude is considered a basic social norm in many societies, reflecting on interpersonal relationships.
- Ungrateful behavior can lead to social ostracism, as people tend to withdraw kindness when their efforts go unappreciated.
Origin of 'ungrateful'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'grateful', which means 'appreciative'.
- It was first recorded in English in the 15th century, indicating a longstanding recognition of the quality of ingratitude.
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.