English Reference
Adjective

antisocial

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌæntaɪˈsoʊʃəɫ/ UK /ˌæntɪsˈəʊʃəl/ an·ti·so·cial

adj.not wanting to spend time with other people or behaving in a way that is annoying or harmful to others.

adj.unwilling or unable to associate in a normal or friendly way with other people; also describes behavior that violates social norms or harms the community.


SIMPLE

He feels a bit antisocial today and wants to stay home.

CONTEXTUAL

The local council introduced new rules to stop antisocial behavior like loud music and littering in the park.

COMPLEX

While some view his preference for solitude as merely introverted, others argue that his refusal to participate in any community events is intentionally antisocial.

Usage

Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'feel', or 'become'; can also be used attributively to describe specific behaviors.

She also feels unsafe in Barking town centre, due to the level of antisocial behaviour, drug addiction and street drinking.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

This can result in harmful, reckless or antisocial behavior .

Phys.org· 17 Aug 2026

From anti- + social.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated