Unkind Meaning in English
word
/ənˈkaɪnd/
uhn-KYND
/ʌnkˈaɪnd/
un-KYND
Definition
Someone who is unkind does or says things that hurt others or are not nice. It means lacking kindness, being mean, or inconsiderate.
Usage & Nuances
"Unkind" is mildly negative and describes behavior, not just feelings. Common with "words", "comments", or "jokes" (e.g., "unkind remarks"). Less strong than "cruel" but stronger than "not nice". Avoid using it for extreme cruelty.
Spanish: cruel - poco amable - antipáticoPortuguese (BR): indelicado - cruel - desagradávelPortuguese (PT): indelicado - cruel - desagradávelChinese (Simplified): 不友善 - 不仁慈Chinese (Traditional): 不友善 - 不仁慈Hindi: अप्रिय - निर्दयीArabic: قاسٍ - غير لطيفBengali: অদয় - নিষ্ঠুর (হালকা অর্থে)Russian: недобрый - неласковыйJapanese: 不親切 - 意地悪Vietnamese: không tốt bụng - không tử tế - hơi độc ácKorean: 불친절한 - 냉정한Turkish: nazik olmayan - kabaUrdu: نامہربان - بے رحم (ہلکے معنی میں)Indonesian: tidak baik - tidak ramah
Example Sentences
It was unkind to leave her out of the game.
basic
Don't be unkind to your brother.
basic
Her unkind words made me sad.
basic
That joke was honestly a bit unkind.
natural
I didn't mean to sound unkind—I was just tired.
natural
People can be unkind online because it's easy to hide behind a screen.
natural