Unthankful: meaning, definitions and examples

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unthankful

 

[ ˌʌnˈθæŋkfəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

in a relationship

Not feeling or showing gratitude; ungrateful.

Synonyms

unacknowledging, unappreciative, ungrateful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unthankful

Used to describe someone who does not show gratitude or thanks, often in personal or social situations.

  • He felt unthankful when he didn't acknowledge the help he received.
  • Being unthankful can hurt people's feelings.
ungrateful

Carries a strong negative connotation and is often used to describe someone who shows a lack of gratitude or thanks, usually implying a moral judgment.

  • She was called ungrateful for not acknowledging the charity's help.
  • The students were ungrateful, despite all the efforts of their teachers.
unappreciative

Describes someone who does not appreciate or value what they receive, whether it's help, gifts, or opportunities.

  • He was unappreciative of the efforts his parents made for his education.
  • Being unappreciative can strain relationships.
unacknowledging

Often used in a formal or professional context to describe someone who does not recognize or acknowledge the contributions or efforts of others.

  • The manager was unacknowledging of the team's hard work.
  • Her unacknowledging behavior created a tense atmosphere in the office.

Examples of usage

  • He was unthankful for all the help he received.
  • She was unthankful for the birthday present.
  • The unthankful attitude of the students was disappointing.
  • They were unthankful for the support provided.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Failing to express gratitude or thanks.

Synonyms

unacknowledging, unappreciative, ungrateful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unthankful

Used to describe someone who does not show gratitude or appreciation, often in a general or mild sense.

  • Despite all the efforts made for him, he remained unthankful
  • They found her unthankful attitude disheartening
ungrateful

Used to describe someone who not only fails to show gratitude but may also seem to have a negative attitude towards the help or kindness received, often with a stronger negative connotation.

  • The ungrateful child complained about his birthday gifts
  • Her ungratefulness was evident when she criticized the homemade meal
unappreciative

Used when someone does not show appreciation or does not seem to value what is done for them, often implying a lack of understanding of the effort involved.

  • She was unappreciative of her colleagues' help
  • His unappreciative remarks hurt those who were trying to assist him
unacknowledging

Used when someone fails to recognize or admit the efforts, presence, or existence of something or someone, more focused on the lack of recognition.

  • He was unacknowledging of the team's hard work
  • Her unacknowledging behavior made it difficult for others to cooperate with her

Examples of usage

  • His unthankful behavior offended his friends.
  • She was unthankful for the opportunities she was given.
  • The unthankful response to their generosity saddened them.
  • The unthankful attitude created tension in the group.

Translations

Translations of the word "unthankful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ingrato

🇮🇳 अकृतज्ञ

🇩🇪 undankbar

🇮🇩 tidak berterima kasih

🇺🇦 невдячний

🇵🇱 niewdzięczny

🇯🇵 感謝しない

🇫🇷 ingrat

🇪🇸 ingrato

🇹🇷 nankör

🇰🇷 감사하지 않는

🇸🇦 غير شاكر

🇨🇿 nevděčný

🇸🇰 nevďačný

🇨🇳 不感激的

🇸🇮 nehvaležen

🇮🇸 vanþakklátur

🇰🇿 рақмет айтпайтын

🇬🇪 უმადური

🇦🇿 nankor

🇲🇽 ingrato

Etymology

The word 'unthankful' originated from Middle English 'unþankful', which was formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to 'þankful', meaning thankful. Over time, the spelling evolved to 'unthankful' in Modern English. The concept of ingratitude has been a theme in literature and philosophy, highlighting the importance of gratitude in human relationships and society.

See also: thank, thankful, thankfully, thankfulness, thankless, thanksgiving.