# unkind

/ənˈkaɪnd/ (US) · /ʌnkˈaɪnd/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unkind
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

not kind or helpful. You use this to describe someone who is mean or something that is not fair.

For teachers: lacking kindness, compassion, or helpfulness; harsh or cruel. Often used to describe people, actions, or words that cause unnecessary distress.

## Examples

- He made an unkind comment about my new haircut.
- The manager's unkind treatment of the staff led to several people leaving the company.
- While the criticism was technically accurate, the delivery was so unkind that it felt more like a personal attack than a professional suggestion for improvement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.