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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adverb
Paris quickly put a stop to strangers speaking unkindly about her son. — Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024 His thin white hair shone under the TV lights that had treated him so unkindly. — Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 28 June 2024 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 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unkindly

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unkindly

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