unkindly

1 of 2

adjective

un·​kind·​ly ˌən-ˈkīn(d)-lē How to pronounce unkindly (audio)
Synonyms of unkindlynext
: not kindly
unkindliness noun

unkindly

2 of 2

adverb

: in an unkind manner
… dwells unkindly long on his final decline.—A. H. Johnston

Examples of unkindly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
The first time, her 6-year-old child was close to harming our infant daughter, and my husband asked him to back off — not unkindly, and only after giving the neighbor a chance to intercede first. — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Adverb
Yet, since the post went up, some people have unkindly critiqued her cheeks, nose, chin and complexion, while others wonder what the fuss is all about. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026 Tabloids and magazines regularly reported on the state of the relationship, often unkindly. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unkindly

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unkindly was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing unkindly

Rhymes for unkindly

See All Rhymes for unkindly

Browse Nearby Words

unkindliness
unkindly
unking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unkindly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unkindly. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unkindly

adjective
un·​kind·​ly
ˌən-ˈkīn-(d)lē
: unkind
unkindliness noun

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