unfriendly

[uhn-frend-lee]

adjective

unfriendlier, unfriendliest 

1. not amicable; not friendly or kindly in disposition; unsympathetic; aloof.

   an unfriendly coldness of manner.

2. hostile; antagonistic.

   an unfriendly act of aggression.

3. unfavorable; inhospitable or inimical, as an environment.

   an unfriendly climate for new ideas.

adverb

1. in an unfriendly manner.

unfriendly

/ ʌnˈfrɛndlɪ /

adjective

1. not friendly; hostile

2. unfavourable or disagreeable

adverb

1. rare,  in an unfriendly manner

Other Word Forms

• unfriendliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfriendly¹

before 900; Middle English (adj.); Old English unfreondlīche (adv.). See un- ¹, friendly

Example Sentences

And in 2024, she was investigated by the police over the tax paid on the sale of her council house, again following a slew of reports by unfriendly newspapers, cheered on by the Conservatives.

From BBC

In these five seats, where incumbents will be forced to decide whether to quit or run again in unfriendly terrain, only one situation has been resolved.

From Salon

Alford is far from the only Republican member of Congress to face an unfriendly crowd in his own district.

From Salon

Within Russia he doesn't often – if ever – come up against unfriendly reporters.

From BBC

That said, Anwar’s administration seemed already to be drifting toward China and away from the West even before the latest unfriendly developments emanating from Washington.

From Salon

Related Words

• antagonistic 
• chilly 
• combative 
• hateful 
• inhospitable 
• unfavorable