adj

unfriendly

uhn-FREHN-lee

adj

Not friendly; cold or hostile in manner.

"The receptionist was surprisingly unfriendly to new patients."

"Relations between the two neighbours turned unfriendly after the fence dispute."

Not favourable or convenient; harmful to something.

"The plastic packaging is unfriendly to the environment."

How to Use Unfriendly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot warm or welcoming toward people, or not good for something (like the environment).

Common pairings

unfriendly staff environmentally unfriendly unfriendly to

Word Forms

unfriendlier comparative, more unfriendly comparative, unfriendlier comparative, more unfriendly comparative, unfriendlies plural, unfriendliest superlative, most unfriendly superlative, unfriendliest superlative, most unfriendly superlative

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The receptionist was surprisingly _____ to new patients.

Etymology

From Old English *unfrēondlīċ, equivalent to un- + friendly.

Antonyms

friendly

Related Words

sharp friendly nice affectionate aloof belligerent hostile kindly

Rhymes for unfriendly

friendly

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friendly sharp nice affectionate aloof belligerent hostile kindly