Words / B1

ant-ee-SOHSHL/ˌæntiˈsəʊʃl/

Antisocial in UK news often means behaviour that harms or annoys the community: antisocial behaviour; an antisocial behaviour order (historical ASBO). It can also mean avoiding other people. Unsocial hours are evening/night work — a different word. Social is not a clean opposite. Do not call a quiet student antisocial unless you mean they avoid people or cause harm.

Meaning

Harmful or annoying to other people; also not wanting to be with others.

Examples

• “Late-night fireworks were reported as antisocial behaviour.”
• “Neighbours reported antisocial behaviour after midnight.”
• “She felt antisocial after the night shift and skipped the party, which is the “avoiding people” sense.”

Good to know

antisocial behaviour (UK news/law). Avoiding people: also antisocial. Mix-up: unsocial hours (shift work). Not merely shy.

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