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Unsympathetic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unsympathetic

[ʌnˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

personality trait

Not showing or feeling any concern for others' feelings; lacking empathy or compassion.

Synonyms

cold-hearted, indifferent, unfeeling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsympathetic

Used to describe someone who lacks understanding or compassion for others' feelings or situations.

  • Her boss was unsympathetic to her request for a day off.
  • The teacher's response was unsympathetic to the student's difficulties.
indifferent

Used to describe someone who shows no interest or concern, often seen as neutral but can sometimes be negative depending on the situation.

  • He was indifferent to the plight of the homeless.
  • She seemed indifferent to the news of her promotion.
cold-hearted

Used when someone is not only unsympathetic but also particularly unkind or cruel. This term carries negative connotations.

  • He was cold-hearted and didn't care about the suffering he caused.
  • Her cold-hearted remark left everyone in shock.
unfeeling

Used when someone shows a lack of emotion or sympathy, often in situations where empathy is expected. Has a negative connotation.

  • The judge's unfeeling demeanor upset the grieving family.
  • Her unfeeling gaze made it clear she didn't care.

Examples of usage

  • She was so unsympathetic towards her friend's struggles.
  • His unsympathetic attitude made it difficult for others to open up to him.
Context #2 | Adjective

response

Not reacting with understanding or kindness; lacking sympathy or warmth.

Synonyms

harsh, insensitive, unresponsive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsympathetic

Use this in situations where someone lacks understanding or compassion towards another's feelings or situation. This word generally has a negative connotation.

  • He was unsympathetic to her problems and suggested she should just get over them.
unresponsive

This is suitable when talking about someone who is not reacting or showing any response, particularly in situations where a reaction is expected. It may imply a lack of interest or concern.

  • Despite her repeated pleas for help, he remained unresponsive.
insensitive

Use this to describe someone who shows lack of awareness or consideration for the feelings of others. It has a negative connotation as well.

  • His insensitive comments about her appearance made her feel very self-conscious.
harsh

This is appropriate when describing a person or action that is unkind, severe, or unnecessarily strict. This word also has a negative connotation.

  • Her boss was harsh, criticizing every small mistake she made.

Examples of usage

  • Her unsympathetic reply left him feeling hurt.
  • The manager's unsympathetic approach to the issue only worsened the situation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who are often considered unsympathetic may struggle with empathy, affecting their social relationships.
  • Research suggests that upbringing and early social experiences play a significant role in developing sympathetic traits.
  • Unsympathetic behaviors can sometimes be a defense mechanism to avoid emotional distress.

Cultural Impact

  • In literature and film, unsympathetic characters often serve as antagonists or challenge the protagonist's values.
  • The portrayal of unsympathetic individuals can evoke strong audience reactions, ranging from dislike to critical reflection on societal norms.

Social Dynamics

  • In group settings, unsympathetic attitudes can create divisions, making it harder for collaboration and understanding.
  • Being labeled unsympathetic can lead to social isolation or conflict, as others may distance themselves from perceived indifference.

Personal Growth

  • Recognizing unsympathetic tendencies in oneself is the first step toward developing a more compassionate mindset.
  • Practicing active listening and reflecting on others' experiences can help counteract unsympathetic feelings.

Origin of 'unsympathetic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'sympathetic', which relates to understanding others' feelings.
  • The concept of sympathy itself dates back to the ancient Greeks, referring to a shared feeling or connection with others.

The word 'unsympathetic' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'sympathetic' meaning 'sharing the feelings of others'. It first appeared in the early 19th century to describe a lack of empathy or understanding towards others.

See also: unsympathetically.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,228, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.