Unkindly: meaning, definitions and examples

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unkindly

 

[ ʌnˈkaɪndli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe an action or behavior

In a manner that is not kind or friendly; in an unkind manner.

Synonyms

cruelly, harshly, unkind

Examples of usage

  • She spoke unkindly to her coworkers.
  • He was treated unkindly by his classmates.
  • The customer was unkindly dismissive towards the waiter.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to describe a situation or circumstance

In a way that shows a lack of kindness or compassion.

Synonyms

brutally, coldly, indifferently

Examples of usage

  • The news was delivered unkindly.
  • She received the rejection unkindly.
  • He reacted unkindly to the criticism.

Translations

Translations of the word "unkindly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desagradavelmente

🇮🇳 असभ्य तरीके से

🇩🇪 unfreundlich

🇮🇩 dengan tidak ramah

🇺🇦 нелюб'язно

🇵🇱 nieżyczliwie

🇯🇵 不親切に

🇫🇷 de manière désagréable

🇪🇸 desagradablemente

🇹🇷 nazik olmayan bir şekilde

🇰🇷 불친절하게

🇸🇦 بشكل غير لطيف

🇨🇿 nevlídně

🇸🇰 neprívetivo

🇨🇳 不友善地

🇸🇮 neprijazno

🇮🇸 óvingjarnlega

🇰🇿 дөрекі түрде

🇬🇪 უშნოდ

🇦🇿 kobud şəkildə

🇲🇽 desagradablemente

Etymology

The word 'unkindly' is derived from the Middle English word 'unkindliche', which originated from the Old English word 'uncyndelice'. The prefix 'un-' signifies negation or absence, while 'kindly' comes from the Old English 'cynd', meaning nature or kind. Over time, 'unkindly' has evolved to its current usage in Modern English to describe actions or behaviors lacking in kindness or compassion.

See also: kind, kinden, kindergarten, kindle, kindling, kindly, kindness, kindred, kinds, unkind, unkindness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,069, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.