Words / A2

un-FRENDL-ee/ʌnˈfrendli/

Unfriendly means not kind or welcoming: an unfriendly look, unfriendly staff, seem unfriendly. Friendly is the opposite. Rude is stronger and about manners. Shy people can seem unfriendly without meaning to. Do not write unfriendly when you mean unfriend (remove on social media).

Meaning

Not kind or welcoming to other people.

Examples

• “The receptionist seemed unfriendly at first.”
• “The dog is unfriendly with strangers.”
• “An unfriendly email is a poor way to start a partnership.”

Good to know

unfriendly staff / seem unfriendly. Opposite: friendly. Stronger: rude. Mix-up: unfriend.

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