Unthinking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unthinking

[หŒสŒnหˆฮธษชล‹kษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

inconsiderate

Not thinking about the feelings or needs of others; inconsiderate.

Synonyms

insensitive, thoughtless, unthoughtful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unthinking

Similar to 'thoughtless,' it indicates actions done without careful thought, but can also imply a lack of awareness.

  • He gave an unthinking response during the interview
  • She made an unthinking error
thoughtless

Refers to actions or words that show a lack of consideration for others' feelings, often implying carelessness.

  • Leaving the door open was a thoughtless act
  • His thoughtless remark caused tension in the room
insensitive

Describes someone who does not show concern or sympathy for others' feelings, often with a negative connotation.

  • His insensitive joke upset everyone at the party
  • She was criticized for being insensitive to her friend's problems
unthoughtful

Indicates a lack of attentiveness or consideration for others, less commonly used and often interchangeable with 'thoughtless.'

  • His unthoughtful behavior bothered his coworkers
  • She received an unthoughtful gift

Examples of usage

  • She made an unthinking remark that hurt his feelings.
  • His unthinking behavior caused a lot of problems in the office.
Context #2 | Adjective

automatic

Not done with careful thought or consideration; automatic.

Synonyms

impulsive, instinctive, mechanical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unthinking

Best used to describe actions or behaviors done without thought or consideration, often implying carelessness or lack of awareness.

  • Her unthinking remark hurt his feelings.
  • The decision was rather unthinking and led to many mistakes.
impulsive

Use this word to describe actions taken without forethought, often driven by sudden desires or emotions. It can have a negative connotation if the impulse leads to negative consequences.

  • He made an impulsive purchase that he later regretted.
  • Her impulsive behavior often got her into trouble.
instinctive

This word is best used to describe actions that are driven by instinct or natural inclination, often without conscious thought. It can have a positive connotation, implying that the person is following their natural responses.

  • His instinctive reaction saved the child's life.
  • She has an instinctive talent for music.
mechanical

This word is used to describe actions or behaviors that are done routinely or automatically, often lacking feeling or spontaneity. It can suggest that the action is performed out of habit rather than thought.

  • The workers performed their tasks in a mechanical manner.
  • He gave a mechanical response without any real interest.

Examples of usage

  • He gave an unthinking response without realizing the consequences.
  • Her actions seemed unthinking, as if she was on autopilot.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Unthinking actions are often automatic or habitual, like when we drive a familiar route without actively considering each turn.
  • Research shows that unthinking behaviors can sometimes lead to mistakes, as we may overlook important details.

Literature

  • The term appears in literary works to highlight characters who act without reflection, often leading to conflict.
  • Writers use unthinking characters to critique societal norms or behaviors, showcasing themes of conformity.

Cognition

  • Cognitive scientists explore unthinking as a concept within human behavior to understand how decisions can be influenced by habit rather than conscious thought.
  • The phenomenon of 'mindlessness' can happen when our brains operate on autopilot, impacting how we process new information.

Pop Culture

  • In films and TV shows, characters who act in an unthinking way often serve as comic relief or cautionary tales.
  • Social media trends can also encourage unthinking behavior, where people share and react without fully understanding content.

Origin of 'unthinking'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' indicates a negation, meaning 'not', while 'thinking' refers to the process of considering or reasoning.
  • The term emerged in English during the 19th century as a way to describe mindless behavior.

The word 'unthinking' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'thinking,' which comes from the Old English word 'รพencan.' It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century and has been used to describe actions or behaviors that are done without careful consideration or thought.


See also: outthink, overthink, overthinking, rethink, rethinking, think, thinker, thinkers, thinking, thought, unthinkability, unthinkable, unthinkableness, unthinkably, unthinkingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,255, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.