Search Dictionary
Definition of unfriendly

unfriendly

/ʌnˈfrɛnd.li/
un · friend · ly
JUMP TO:

unfriendly Lexical Profile

unfriendly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not kind, pleasant, or welcoming toward others; cold, aloof, or hostile in manner.

Example

"The new neighbors seemed rather unfriendly at first, though they turned out to be merely shy."

2

Unfavorable, inhospitable, or not well suited to a particular person, activity, or environment.

Example

"The rugged, unfriendly terrain made it difficult for the expedition team to set up camp before nightfall."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unfriendly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unfriendly

Word Nuance & Usage

Although ending in '-ly', 'unfriendly' is an adjective rather than an adverb; in modern English, adverbial meanings are typically expressed with a phrase such as 'in an unfriendly manner'.

• Rhymes for unfriendly

• Nearby Words

unfrequented
unfriend
unfriendliness
unfriendly
unfrightened
unfrozen
unfruitful

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'unfreondlic', formed from the privative prefix 'un-' (not) and 'freondlic' (friendly).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unfriendly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unfriendly
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.