unkind

Unkind is an adjective used to describe behavior, remarks, or attitudes that lack kindness, consideration, or sympathy. It typically signals disapproval and can apply to interactions with individuals or groups. While not synonymous with cruelty, unkind conduct is felt as hurtful or thoughtless and may reflect insensitivity, bias, or disrespect.

Unkind is formed with the negative prefix un- attached to kind. The word has been part of English since the Middle English period and remains common in everyday usage. Its strength varies with context; a casual tease can be described as unkind, whereas deliberate abuse would more often be labeled cruel. Tone and intent influence how harshly it is judged.

Common collocations include unkind remark, unkind act, unkind to someone, and unkindness (the noun). The adverbial form is unkindly, used to describe actions or remarks done in an unkind manner, though it is less frequent in modern usage. Related terms include kindness, kind, compassionate, and considerate.

Usage notes: because kindness is culturally valued, whether something is unkind can depend on context and norms. The term is usually reserved for social evaluation rather than neutral description. In writing, unkind is versatile but tends to convey a mild to moderate degree of reproach unless strengthened by additional language such as cruel or abusive.