Unfriendly
/ʌnˈfrendli/
Definitions
2 meaningsNot behaving in a kind or pleasant way; showing dislike or hostility.
/ʌnˈfrendli/
Not kind or helpful; showing hostility.
The dog was unfriendly to strangers.
💡 Simply: Imagine your classmate doesn't want to play with you and gives you a mean look. That classmate is being unfriendly! It means not being nice or helpful.
👶 For kids: Being unfriendly means not being nice or kind. It's like when someone doesn't want to play with you.
More Examples
She gave me an unfriendly look when I said hello.
The service at the restaurant was unfriendly and slow.
How It's Used
"The shopkeeper was unfriendly and didn't offer any assistance."
"His unfriendly behavior made it difficult to collaborate with him."
Not conducive or favorable to something; adverse.
/ʌnˈfrendli/
Not suitable or favorable; adverse.
The weather conditions were unfriendly for a picnic.
💡 Simply: Imagine a hike on a trail that's super rocky and hard to walk on. The trail is unfriendly to your feet! It means something is not good or helpful for a situation.
👶 For kids: When something is unfriendly, it means it's not easy or good. Like a bumpy road is unfriendly to your bike!
More Examples
The government is considering an unfriendly tax on certain products.
The system is unfriendly and difficult to navigate.
How It's Used
"The area's unfriendly terrain made navigation difficult."
"The company's unfriendly takeover bid was rejected by shareholders."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Unfriendly fire
Military: Military fire from your own side.
"During the battle, there was an incident of friendly fire."
From "un-" (not) + "friendly." "Friendly" comes from "friend," originating from Old English "frēond" (friend, lover). The prefix "un-" indicates the negation of the adjective's state.
The term has been used since the 17th century to describe situations or people that are not conducive to comfort or pleasantries.
Memory tip
Think of someone acting in a way that is the opposite of a friend.
Word Origin
"frēond (friend)"