# unsympathetic

/ənˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk/ (US) · /ʌnsˌɪmpəθˈɛtɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unsympathetic
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

not showing care or kindness when someone has a problem. You use it when someone seems cold or unhelpful instead of supportive.

For teachers: lacking sympathy or compassion toward others' difficulties; indifferent or unresponsive to suffering. Also describes attitudes or actions that show disapproval rather than support for an idea or cause.

## Examples

- She gives an unsympathetic answer to his problem.
- The manager takes an unsympathetic tone when staff explain they are overworked.
- The novel's unsympathetic narrator observes the family's grief with cool detachment, forcing readers to question whether his judgment reveals honesty or a failure of compassion.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by 'to' or 'towards' when indicating lack of support for an idea or group.

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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.