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Unkindness: meaning, definitions and examples

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unkindness

 

[ ʌnˈkaɪndnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

behavior

Lack of kindness or compassion towards others, cruelty or hostility.

Synonyms

cruelty, hostility, meanness

Examples of usage

  • He was shocked by the unkindness of his colleagues.
  • She couldn't understand the unkindness of some people.
Context #2 | Noun

group of birds

A group of ravens.

Synonyms

group of ravens

Examples of usage

  • An unkindness of ravens flew overhead.
  • The eerie unkindness of ravens gathered in the trees.

Translations

Translations of the word "unkindness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maldade

🇮🇳 निर्दयता

🇩🇪 Unfreundlichkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakramahan

🇺🇦 недоброзичливість

🇵🇱 nieżyczliwość

🇯🇵 不親切 (fushinsetsu)

🇫🇷 méchanceté

🇪🇸 desconsideración

🇹🇷 kabalık

🇰🇷 불친절 (bulchinjeol)

🇸🇦 قسوة

🇨🇿 nevlídnost

🇸🇰 nevlúdnosť

🇨🇳 不友善 (bù yǒushàn)

🇸🇮 neprijaznost

🇮🇸 ókurteisi

🇰🇿 мейірімсіздік

🇬🇪 უხეშობა

🇦🇿 kobudluq

🇲🇽 desconsideración

Word origin

The word 'unkindness' originated from the Middle English 'unkindenesse', which was derived from the Old English 'uncyndnes'. The prefix 'un-' signifies negation, while 'kind' comes from the Old English 'gecynd', meaning 'nature' or 'kind'. Over time, the term evolved to represent the opposite of kindness, emphasizing cruelty and lack of compassion. The usage of 'unkindness' has been documented in various literary works and continues to be relevant in modern English.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,705, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.