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Unwelcoming: meaning, definitions and examples

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unwelcoming

 

[ˌʌnˈwɛlkəmɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

environment

Not friendly or inviting; making someone feel unwelcome.

Synonyms

cold, hostile, unfriendly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unwelcoming

This word is often used to describe places or environments that make people feel uncomfortable or not accepted. It can also describe behavior or attitude.

  • The atmosphere in the new neighborhood was quite unwelcoming.
  • Her unwelcoming stare made him feel uneasy.
hostile

This word is used to describe situations or people that are actively antagonistic or unfriendly. It has a stronger, more negative connotation than the other words.

  • The negotiations ended in a hostile manner.
  • She received a hostile reception at the meeting.
cold

This can describe both physical temperature and emotional behavior. When referring to behavior, it implies a lack of warmth or affection.

  • He gave her a cold look and walked away.
  • The room felt cold and uninviting.
unfriendly

Use this to describe people or actions that lack friendliness or warmth, but are not necessarily aggressive.

  • The shop assistant was unfriendly and not helpful.
  • Their behavior was noticeably unfriendly towards new members.

Examples of usage

  • It was an unwelcoming atmosphere at the party.
  • The unwelcoming attitude of the staff made me uncomfortable.
Context #2 | Adjective

place

Not showing hospitality or a warm reception; not inviting or pleasant.

Synonyms

bleak, inhospitable, uninviting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unwelcoming

Use this word when describing a place or atmosphere that makes people feel not wanted or uncomfortable.

  • The receptionist's unwelcoming attitude made me want to leave immediately.
  • The house felt unwelcoming with its dark interiors and cold floors.
inhospitable

Employ this word when referring to environments that are harsh or not suitable for living or staying in, whether because they are physically uncomfortable or actively hostile.

  • The desert is an inhospitable place for most plants and animals.
  • The locals were inhospitable and rude to the visitors.
uninviting

This word is best used to describe places or atmospheres that are not appealing or welcoming.

  • The run-down building appeared uninviting from the outside.
  • His uninviting tone made it clear he did not want guests.
bleak

This is best used for describing a situation or place that appears hopeless, desolate, or depressing.

  • The outlook for the company's future is rather bleak.
  • The landscape was bleak and lifeless.

Examples of usage

  • The unwelcoming hotel room had no amenities or comfort.
  • The unwelcoming landscape was barren and desolate.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'unwelcoming' combines the prefix 'un-', meaning ‘not’, with 'welcoming', which comes from the Old English 'Wilcuma', meaning ‘a person who is welcomed’.
  • This term has its roots in the concept of hospitality, which has been an important part of many cultures throughout history.
  • In English, a related word, 'welcome', has a positive connotation, while 'unwelcoming' flips that to convey a sense of rejection.

Cultural Context

  • In many cultures, hospitality is crucial, and being unwelcoming can symbolize deeper social and political tensions.
  • Certain architectural designs, such as high walls and closed access, may create an unwelcoming atmosphere reflecting societal issues.
  • Cultural practices, like greetings and open-door policies, often contrast sharply with unwelcoming behaviors in social scenarios.

Psychology

  • Feelings of unwelcomeness can significantly impact mental health, leading to issues like anxiety and depression in social situations.
  • Studies suggest that environments perceived as unwelcoming can trigger a fight-or-flight response in individuals, even in non-threatening scenarios.
  • The perception of being unwelcome can also affect group dynamics, leading to isolation or negative feelings towards the community.

Literature

  • In various literary works, settings described as unwelcoming often symbolize the internal conflict of characters or the broader themes of alienation.
  • Authors use unwelcoming environments to reflect societal critiques, illustrating the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups.
  • Classic tales frequently contrast unwelcoming spaces with warm, inviting ones to highlight character journeys and transformations.

Pop Culture

  • In films, unwelcoming settings can foreshadow conflict or danger, often serving as a narrative tool to build tension.
  • Music genres like punk often express feelings of alienation and rejection, mirroring the sentiment of unwelcomeness.
  • Television shows exploring diverse communities frequently highlight the struggle between inclusivity and unwelcoming bias.

Translations

Translations of the word "unwelcoming" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desagradável

🇮🇳 अस्वागतयोग्य

🇩🇪 unfreundlich

🇮🇩 tidak ramah

🇺🇦 негостинний

🇵🇱 nieprzyjazny

🇯🇵 歓迎されない

🇫🇷 inhospitalier

🇪🇸 desagradable

🇹🇷 soğuk

🇰🇷 환영받지 못하는

🇸🇦 غير مرحب به

🇨🇿 nepřívětivý

🇸🇰 neprívetivý

🇨🇳 不受欢迎的

🇸🇮 neprijazen

🇮🇸 óvingjarnlegur

🇰🇿 құшақ жая қарсы алмау

🇬🇪 არამასპინძლური

🇦🇿 qarşılanmayan

🇲🇽 desagradable

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,109, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.