unkind
UK: ʌnˈkaɪnd | US: ʌnˈkaɪnd
adj. lacking kindness or compassion; harsh or cruel
adj. (of weather) unpleasant or severe
The word "unkind" combines the Old English prefix "un-" (meaning "not") with "kind," which derives from the Old English "cynde," meaning "natural, native, or gentle." Over time, "kind" evolved to signify benevolence, while "un-" negated it, creating a term for behavior or conditions lacking warmth or compassion. The logical progression reflects a straightforward negation of a positive trait.
Her unkind remarks left him feeling hurt.
It was unkind of him to ignore their request for help.
The unkind weather forced us to cancel the picnic.
Children can sometimes be unkind without realizing it.
He regretted his unkind words as soon as he said them.