unkindlyadj.
/(ˌ)ʌnˈkʌɪndli/, U.S. /ˌənˈkaɪn(d)li/ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > badness or evil > evil action > [adjective] > unnatural
unkindly?c1225
unkinda1325
society > morality > moral evil > [adjective] > immoral or unethical > not conformed to moral order > and unnatural
unkindly?c1225
unkinda1325
unnatural?1473
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 92 Handlung oðer ei felunge bi tweone mon & ancre is þing swa uncundelich.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 27966 Vnkindli sin and sodomite, Austin cals al suilk delite.
?c1450 tr. Bk. Knight of La Tour Landry (1906) 102 The deuell slow all, for as moche as they vsed unkindely werke.
c1500 Stations of Jerusalem l. 748 in C. Horstmann Altengl. Legenden (1881) 2nd Ser. 364/2 Fyue cytys..Sanke to hell fore vnkyndly synne.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. x. sig. X5 Their owne mother..Gan abhorre her broods vnkindly crime.
a1618 J. Sylvester tr. Little Bartas in tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Diuine Weekes & Wks. (1621) 784 Besides th' vnkindly Slaughter Of his owne Self, by his owne Sonnes, soon after.
a1752 R. Erskine Job's Hymns (1753) 98 Reflect On all their base unkindly crimes.
2. † a. Not in accordance with the natural or normal course of things; exceptional, out of the ordinary. Obsolete.† b. Not usual or natural for its kind; abnormal; inferior; (esp. of an animal or plant) in poor condition, not thriving. Obsolete (in later use archaic or English regional). unkindly to know of: made unfamiliar or unrecognizable to.† c. Damaging to health; harmful, injurious. Obsolete.In quot. 1922 probably apprehended as a figurative use of sense 5.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adjective] > abnormal or unnatural > physically
unkindlOE
unkindlyc1230
unnaturala1400
c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 214 (MED) For na bote aȝein cundeliche secnesses, nan uncundelich lechecreft ne leue ȝe ne ne fondin, wið uten ower meistres read.
?c1335 in W. Heuser Kildare-Gedichte (1904) 103 Þe þing þat bodi no flesse naþ non..Vnkundlich þing ded sal don.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. l. 3124 Thilke unkendeli peines Thurgh whiche Envie is fyred ay.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 26253 Þe man þat mengis wiþ vnkindeli best his flesshe luste to fulfille.
c1450 (c1415) in W. O. Ross Middle Eng. Serm. (1940) 301 Yf a mannes eyre stode on his hele, or his mouth behynde hym that shuld stonde afore hym, it were vnkyndly.
1555 W. Waterman tr. Josephus in tr. J. Boemus Fardle of Facions sig. U.viijv Lest therby the vnkindlie couplinge against kinde, passe also at lengthe vnto men.
1598 Floure & Leafe in T. Speght Wks. G. Chaucer f. 367v/2 Salades which they made hem eat For to refresh their great vnkindly heat.
1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie iii. xxv. 179 The shape of the Leopard bewraieth his vnkindly birth.
1639 T. de Gray Compl. Horseman ii. xxii. 355 Unkindely and unnaturall heats given him by most violent and intemperate riding.
a1670 S. Collins Systeme Anat. (1685) i. ii. iv. 216 A Symptomatick Fever, derived from violent Pain, raising an unkindly Ebullition.
1729 Flying-post 25 Jan. She has had some unkindly evacuations, but no pain.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > [adjective] > not answering to its proper kind
unkindlyc1540
c1540 (?a1400) Gest Historiale Destr. Troy (2002) f. 131 Ho was vnkyndly to knaw of hir kyd frendis So disfigurt of face & febill of hew.
1587 Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding tr. P. de Mornay Trewnesse Christian Relig. xvii. 313 In vs only there is..such an vnkindly and Bastardly Nature, that [etc.].
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World I. 225 Kine, Buls, and Oxen are not to be despised as unkindly, although they looke but illfavouredly.
1616 N. Breton Hate of Treason sig. B2v Make their bread of an vnkindly bran: Which seeming wheat, is but a wicked weede, Sowne by the divell.
1658 W. Allen Glass of Justif. sig. A4 Their Fruit withered, grew harsh and unkindly, thin, shriveled and blasted.
1789 Ann. Agric. 11 188 It is a grazier's own fault if ever he attempts to fatten an unkindly beast.
1790 Trans. Soc. Arts 8 32 Peas, too long sown without change,..become so unkindly that the pods..never fill.
1818 M. M. Sherwood Stories Church Catech. (ed. 4) xxxiv. 259 Lopping off..a dead leaf, or unkindly branch.
1862 Jrnl. Agric. Mar. 350 It will likely prove an unthrifty, unkindly animal.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. 788 I calls it a very onkindly lot o' yearlins.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > insalubrity > [adjective]
evilc1000
unsete1387
pestilenta1398
pestilentiala1398
unhealfulc1400
unthendec1425
unsetyc1440
unwholesomec1455
ill1488
pestifere1490
contagious1495
infectious1534
pestiferous1538
unhealthsome1544
unkindlyc1570
deletery1576
deleterious1587
bad1589
unhealthful1598
unsound1598
unhealthy1600
sickly1604
deleterial1621
tetrous1637
insalubrious1638
unseasoned1638
cankered1645
healthless1650
insalutary1694
maliferous1727
insanous1742
unsalubrious1781
unsanitary1872
insanitary1874
devitalizing1875
antihygienic1876
unhygienic1883
unhealthy-looking1890
c1570 J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1830) 166 It wes brutit..that the King..wes vexit be some unkindly medicine.
1590 W. Clever Flower of Phisicke 119 Some vnkindly worme breedeth and ouereateth.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 1050 Grosser sleep Bred of unkindly fumes. View more context for this quotation
1713 P. Kennedy Ophthalmographia ii. ix. 38 An Inflammation, hard and unkindly Tumour of the Eye-lids.
1789 M. Underwood Treat. Dis. Children (rev. ed.) II. 88 An oozing of blood from the part, after an unkindly separation of the chord.
1822 J. M. Good Study Med. III. 91 The exciting causes [of madness]..are..unkindly child-bed [etc.].
1922 Homœopathic Director 15 Oct. 284 No matter what the dose one need have no fear of the unkindly effects, the nausea.
d. Of weather, temperature, a season, etc.: unusually cold or harsh; unfavourable, inclement. Also of soil or land: unsuitable for growing plants or crops.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > bad weather > [adjective]
starkOE
unkindc1330
foulc1390
distemperate1398
distempered1490
untemperate1525
intemperate1526
naughty1541
intempered1556
unkindly1579
sour1582
unclement1598
filthy1600
nasty1634
dirty1660
inclement1667
inclemental1709
wretched1711
foul-weather1750
ungenial1816
wersh1830
shabby1853
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > [adjective] > unfavourable
contrariousc1320
bada1325
contraryinga1340
adversea1393
frowarda1400
contrairc1400
fremd1423
adversant?a1425
sinister1432
perversea1450
undisposed1456
sinistral?a1475
contrary1477
favourless1509
unfriendlya1513
thwarting1530
wayward?1544
contrariant1548
disfavourable1561
cross1565
unindifferent1565
sinistrous1566
haggard1578
unkindly1579
backward1582
awkward1587
improsperous1598
thwart1610
unpropitious1613
averted1619
untoward1621
averse1623
impropitious1638
sinister1726
unfavourable1748
untowardly1756
unfavouring1835
1579 E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Jan. 26 My life bloud friesing with vnkindly cold.
1652 J. Gaule Πυς-μαντια 332 We had not a more unkindly Summer for many yeeres in respect of extraordinary cold.
a1684 R. Leighton Wks. (1835) I. 109 A tender plant in a strange unkindly soil.
1734 London Daily Post 7 Nov. The French will endeavour to break thro' Bohemia into Saxony at this unkindly Season of the Year.
1763 J. Mills Syst. Pract. Husb. I. 188 The land continued unkindly and sour.
1850 F. W. Robertson Serm. (1857) 3rd Ser. iii. 36* The unkindly climate of their birth.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. (at cited word) A nasty, cold, onkindly farm.
1913 Times 10 Nov. 12/1 When it is experienced in conjunction with unkindly soils the case of the farmer invites commiseration.
1985 Country Life 23 May 1455/1 The persistence of Leptospermum humisfusum through the unkindliest of winters no longer surprises me.
2010 Coffs Coast (Austral.) Advocate (Nexis) 6 Mar. 63 Another very quiet week, with unkindly weather playing havoc for angling offshore.
a. Of a person: lacking normal human feelings or sympathies, esp. in regard to familial relationships; acting in an inhuman or unfeeling manner; excessively cruel or wicked. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > hatred > dislike > [adjective] > devoid of affection
unkindlya1400
unlovingc1450
unaffective1689
unadoring1751
unenamoured1791
disaffectionate1796
unaffectionate1815
uncherishing1876
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > unkindness > spite, malice > [adjective]
loathOE
teenfulOE
nithefulOE
ondfula1200
maliciousa1250
doggedc1300
enviousc1330
venomousa1340
venoma1350
spitous?a1366
despitousc1374
heinous?a1400
unkindlya1400
venomyc1400
sinister1411
sputousc1420
doggish?a1425
cankered?a1439
doggya1450
sinistrous1460
spity1481
despiteful1488
spiteful1490
despiteous?1510
viperious?1510
peevisha1522
envyful1530
viperous1535
viperinec1540
vipered1560
bad-minded1588
uncanny1596
dogged-sprighted1600
toothsome1601
maliced1602
ill-minded1611
virulent1613
ill-hearteda1617
doleful1617
spitish1627
ill-meaning1633
splenial1641
litherlya1643
venomsome1660
slim1668
cat-witted1672
vipereal1750
viperish1755
méchant1813
vicious1825
maliceful1840
mean1841
waspish1855
viperian1866
viperan1877
cattish1883
catty1886
bad mind1904
bitchy1908
the mind > emotion > love > affection > [adjective] > characterized by natural affection > lacking natural affection
unkindlya1400
a1400 (c1303) R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne (Harl.) l. 6266 (MED) Of alle executours..werst are þyn owne kynde, And þy chyldryn specyaly Are to þy soule vnkyndely.
a1439 J. Lydgate Fall of Princes (Bodl. 263) i. l. 2612 (MED) Fauoure a woman..Which slouh hir fader whan he a-bedde lay. But for your hatful and vnkyndli rage I pray the goddis..To take vengaunce.
1585 T. Bilson True Difference Christian Subiection iii. 419 It is therefore lawfull for the Franckes and Germanes refusing this vnkindely monster.
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. i. sig. A6v To see th'vnkindly Impes..Deuoure their dam.
1591 E. Spenser Teares of Muses in Complaints 15 Her loued Twinnes,..whom her vnkindly foes The fatall Sisters, did for spight destroy.
1622 W. Scot Course Conformitie sig. Z The unkindly daughter had devoured the mother.
1667 Naphtali sig. B2 As Unnatural Children have eaten thorow their Mothers bowels, so Unkindly Brethren have rewarded her evil for good.
b. Of an action, disposition, or state of human relations: not in accordance with natural feelings or moral standards; characterized by excessive cruelty or wickedness; (in weakened use) not in accordance with normal or expected conduct. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > harmfulness > harshness > [adjective] > and unnatural
unkindly1456
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > unkindness > [adjective] > and unnatural
unkindly1456
1456–70 Acts Parl. Scotl. (1875) XII. 27/1 Thynkand it onkyndle tyll thole ane nominatioun of lardschipe of sic ane man.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 17 (MED) It pleasid hym rathir to dye with his own hande by homicide thanne Pharnates, his sone, which conspired his deth, shulde reioyse himself to haue soiled his handis in the blode of his fadir by vnkyndly natur.
a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. ccxiii After this vnkyndly warre had duryd by the space of .vi. Monethes.
1591 Troublesome Raigne Iohn i. sig. G3v Vnkindly rage more rough than Northern winde, To chip the beautie of so sweete a flower!
1631 in J. Stuart Extracts Presbytery Bk. Strathbogie (1843) 2 Being accused for not communicating the last yeer bygane, ther answer wes, that Mr. Henrie Ross, their minister, his onkyndlie vsage of thame, haid scared thame.
1647 N. Ward Simple Cobler Aggawam 15 How unseasonable and unkindely it is, to interturbe the State and Church with these Amalekitish onsets.
1697 G. Seton Modest Vindic. 1 The King himself finds Leasure & Inclination, amidst the rugged Toils of Warr, to regrat Our unkindly and unseasonable Contentions.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > [adjective] > not of the same kind
unkindly1578
1578 J. Rolland Seuin Seages 23 Vnkyndlie Captanes ouir thrawis And commoun welth doun drawis.
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. i. v. 178 Th' infamous Bird that layes His bastard Egges within the nests of other, To haue them hatch't, by an vnkindly Mother.
1605 T. Tymme tr. J. Du Chesne Pract. Chymicall & Hermeticall Physicke i. xiii. sig. H3v They consist of many vnkindly parts.
5. Lacking in kindness; having, showing, or arising from an unsympathetic, unfriendly, or hostile character or disposition; unkind.Now the usual sense.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > harmfulness > harshness > [adjective]
unmildeOE
unmeekc1175
unkindc1325
dure1412
roughc1415
foula1500
harsh1579
untender1608
unsoftened1645
kindless1659
unkind-hearted1760
uncannya1774
unkindly1787
unbeneficent1822
bad-blooded1842
half-hearted1864
brash1868
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > unkindness > [adjective]
unmildeOE
unmeekc1175
unkind1340
ungentle1509
untender1608
kindless1659
unkind-hearted1760
unkindly1787
unbeneficent1822
half-hearted1864
1787 London Chron. 21–23 June 597/2 Harsh and unkindly expressions ruffle her temper.
1806 H. F. Cary tr. Dante Inferno II. xxi. 69 I to my leader's side adhered, mine eyes..bent On their unkindly visage.
1827 W. Scott Surgeon's Daughter in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. II. viii. 187 He was conscious of unkindly, if not hostile, feelings towards his old companion.
1862 E. Bulwer-Lytton Strange Story I. xix. 132 That gentle heart could not bear one unkindlier shade between itself and what it loved.
1893 F. H. Burnett One I knew Best i. 19 I feel sure he was not an unkindly fellow.
1917 P. Kester His Own Country xxvii. 302 The irascible but not unkindly old storekeeper.
1965 Post-Star (Glen Falls, N.Y.) 12 Jan. 4/5 It is so easy to chill the soul with an unkindly voice.
2009 Econ. Jrnl. 119 1535 Individuals who act in an unkindly manner do nevertheless feel angry when punished.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2018; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
unkindlyadv.
/(ˌ)ʌnˈkʌɪndli/, U.S. /ˌənˈkaɪn(d)li/ a. In a manner contrary to what is considered to be normal morality or propriety; immorally, improperly, indecently. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > unfittingness > [adverb]
evilOE
wrongc1175
unworthlyc1200
unkindly?c1225
ungraithlya1300
unkindlyc1300
wrongly1303
unconablya1340
unworthily1377
ungoodlyc1380
falsely1393
uncomelya1400
unsittinglyc1412
uncomelilyc1420
unorderly1471
ungainlya1500
ill?1529
unmeetly1533
unconveniently1538
undecently1563
unproperly1604
unbeseemingly1617
viciously1617
unbecomingly1653
abusefully1656
unbefittingly1871
society > morality > dueness or propriety > moral impropriety > [adverb]
wrongc1175
unworthlyc1200
unkindly?c1225
ungraithlya1300
wrongly1303
unconablya1340
unworthily1377
ungoodlyc1380
uncovenablya1382
improperly1390
falsely1393
unduly1399
unseemlya1400
unsittinglyc1412
unorderly1471
induly1483
unseemlily1483
ungainlya1500
uncomely?1518
unmeetly1533
unconveniently1538
wrongfully?1549
uncomelily1561
undecently1563
indecently1589
unproperly1604
unbeseemingly1617
viciously1617
unseemingly1619
misbecominglya1625
unbeseeming1645
unbecomingly1653
invalidly1705
naughty1892
the mind > goodness and badness > harmfulness > harshness > [adverb] > unnaturally
unkindly?c1225
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 41 Ne of tollinde lokunges. ne lates þet summe..weilawei vncundeliche makiet.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. 2005 Antiochus..sette his love unkindely..And for his lust hath his penance.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 28495 Wit womman seke vmquile haue i And vnkyndeli don licheri.
?a1400 (a1338) R. Mannyng Chron. (Petyt) (1996) i. l. 2134 Þis Membrice..haunted þe syn of Sodom, & vnkyndly to bestis com.
?1504 W. Atkinson tr. Thomas à Kempis Ful Treat. Imytacyon Cryste (Pynson) i. xxii. sig. Ciiv This day thou arte confessed of thy synnes: the next day thou retornest vnkyndely to the same synne.
1579 J. Stubbs Discouerie Gaping Gulf sig. C5 Rychard [II]..fell amourous most unkindlye and vnkingly with a french girle but eyght yeeres of age.
1602 W. Warner Albions Eng. (rev. ed.) xiii. lxxvi. 315 Vnkindly though Nature it is defaced so in some, As that by often sinning Sinne an habette doth become.
b. In a manner contrary to the requirements of justice, fairness, or right conduct; unjustly, wrongfully; ungratefully. Also: unfaithfully, treacherously. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > [adverb] > with impropriety
unkindlyc1300
ungoodlyc1380
unhonestlyc1380
indecently1589
undecently1589
grossly1600
unproperly1604
widely1665
like a whore at a christening1706
indelicately1800
c1300 Life & Martyrdom Thomas Becket (Harl. 2277) (1845) l. 1540 The Kyng..sende him word that him thoȝte..That hi wolde him so moche misdo uncundeliche and wouȝ.
1397–8 Rolls of Parl.: Richard II (Electronic ed.) Parl. Sept. 1397 Pleas §7. m. 4 I knowlech, that I dede untrewly and unkyndely as to hym that is my lige lord, and hathe ben so god and kynde lord to me.
a1400 (?c1280) Nativity Mary & Christ (Stowe) (1975) l. 623 (MED) Sixe sones he hadde þat luþere were, þat þouhten him vnkyndliche [a1450 St. John's Cambr. euele] dihte—Bynyme him is kyndom myd poer oþer quelle him ȝif þei myhte.
?a1450 (?c1400) Lay Folks' Catech. (Lamb.) (1901) 59 To..be euer sory..for he haþ greuyd god so vnkendely.
1546 T. Langley tr. P. Vergil Abridgem. Notable Worke iv. i. f. lxviiv They vnkyndly forgat all those benefites.
1567 Compend. Bk. Godly Songs (1897) 65 Lat nocht my hart vnkyndlie depart, From the rycht lufe of thy mercie.
1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus v. iii. 103 Lastly my selfe vnkindely banished. View more context for this quotation
1622 in D. Masson Reg. Privy Council Scotl. (1896) 1st Ser. XIII. 764 My sone, haveing maist unkyndlie and unnaturallie schaikin af these respective dewiteis..quhairin..he standis bund unto me.
a1626 L. Andrewes XCVI Serm. (1629) 185 Heer have been diverse Princely favours vouchsafed, and most unkindly rejected.
c. In a manner differing from what is proper or fitting; unsuitably, inappropriately. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > unfittingness > [adverb]
evilOE
wrongc1175
unworthlyc1200
unkindly?c1225
ungraithlya1300
unkindlyc1300
wrongly1303
unconablya1340
unworthily1377
ungoodlyc1380
falsely1393
uncomelya1400
unsittinglyc1412
uncomelilyc1420
unorderly1471
ungainlya1500
ill?1529
unmeetly1533
unconveniently1538
undecently1563
unproperly1604
unbeseemingly1617
viciously1617
unbecomingly1653
abusefully1656
unbefittingly1871
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > disharmony or incongruity > unsuitability or inappropriateness > [adverb]
wrongc1175
unkindlyc1300
wrongly1303
unworthily1377
uncovenablya1382
improperly1390
inconveniently1509
ineptly1523
impertinently1546
unaptly1548
unfeatly1548
unhandsomely1548
unfitly1561
disagreeably1566
unmeet1577
unsuitably1624
malapropos1630
unfittingly1637
unfit1653
unworthy1661
inaptly1809
misappropriatelyc1831
infelicitouslya1834
ineligibly1846
inappropriately1847
inapplicably1864
unapropos1956
c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 1250 Goldeborw..wende she were bi-swike, Þat shere [emended in ed. to she were] yeuen un-kyndelike.
c1390 (a1376) W. Langland Piers Plowman (Vernon) (1867) A. x. l. 177 Summe..For Couetise of Catel vnkuyndeliche beoþ maried.
a1450 MS Bodl. 779 in Archiv f. das Studium der Neueren Sprachen (1889) 82 353 Wend..to fecchen Vital & me..& buriin vs in holicherche, as ryȝt hit is to done, for vnkendeliche we beþ I-put, aȝen oure cristindome..in astede..þat cristin ne chold vs wite.
d. In a manner that offends natural human feelings or sympathies; with excessive wickedness or cruelty; barbarously, monstrously. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > ill-treatment > cruelty > [adverb] > unnaturally
unkindlya1393
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. l. 2066 (MED) Unkindeliche..The Sone schal the Moder sle.
a1450 tr. Aelred of Rievaulx De Institutione Inclusarum (Bodl.) (1984) 21 Thyn hert is fulfilled with pyte..Folewe him [sc. Christ] in-to the paleys and beholde hou vnkyndely they ferden with him.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 2 Macc. xv. 2 O do not so cruelly and vnkyndly [1611 barbarously], but halowe ye Sabbath daye.
1547 J. Harrison Exhort. Scottes h j b That you..should thus vnkindly, vnnaturally, and vnchristenly bathe youre swoordes in eche others blode.
1605 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. ii. i. 357 Enuious Cain, His (better) Brother dooth vnkindlie braine.
1606 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas Deuine Weekes & Wks. (new ed.) ii. iii. 139 Lo there, another valiant Champion..His only Daughter dooth vnkindely kill.
1662 G. May White-powder Plot Discovered 24 Periander who with furious anger led His most dear Wife unkindly murdered.
2. † a. In a manner differing from what is natural or normal; not in accordance with the regular course of nature; unnaturally, abnormally. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > harmfulness > harshness > [adverb]
unkindly?1387
untenderly?a1400
unmeeklya1425
durely1477
roidlyc1480
kindlessly1826
the world > relative properties > order > disorder > irregularity > unconformity > abnormality > [adverb] > abnormally or unnaturally
unkindly?1387
accidently?a1425
monstrouslyc1487
innaturallya1513
unnaturally1528
monstruously?1548
supernaturally1578
preternaturally1588
?1387 T. Wimbledon Serm. (Corpus Cambr.) (1967) 99 (MED) Men schulleþ be clepid wiþ þre somoners..þe firste is sekenesse, þe secunde is elde, and þe þridde is deþ..Þis is a cundelich ordre, but oþer wile it fallyt vnkyndelich, For summe we seeþ dye þat wisten neuere what was sekenesse ne elde.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) iii. l. 375 Unkindeliche he was transformed, That he which erst a man was formed Into a womman was forschape.
?c1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (Paris) (1971) 311 Þat distinccioun þe whiche Rogeryn putteth..takeþ polipus..for euery flesche þat is sprongen in þe nose þirles wiþoute kynde, i. vnkyndely [a1425 N.Y. Acad. Med. out of kynde].
a1475 (?a1430) J. Lydgate tr. G. Deguileville Pilgrimage Life Man (Vitell.) l. 3530 But ye wolden..Tourne vnkyndely my wyn In-to blood, folk for to drynke.
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Love in W. W. Skeat Chaucerian & Other Pieces (1897) 4 (MED) The wylde wind Boreas as his kind asketh..maked the wawes of the occian-see so to aryse unkyndely over the commune bankes, that it was in poynte to spille al the erthe.
?1541 R. Copland Galen's Fourth Bk. Terapeutyke sig. Bj, in Guy de Chauliac's Questyonary Cyrurgyens There must be had delyberacyon, to knowe yf all the party dyscoloured and hardened vnkyndly ought to be cut.
1615 W. Lawson Country Housewifes Garden (1626) 8 Who did euer know a tree so vnkindly splat, come to age?
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iii. 456 All th' unaccomplisht works of Natures hand, Abortive, monstrous, or unkindly mixt,..fleet hither. View more context for this quotation
1703 N. Rowe Fair Penitent i. i You mourn unkindly by your self, And rob me of my Partnership of Sadness.
1766 Compl. Farmer at Malt The malt..appears shrivelled, and often is unkindly hard.
b. Badly, unsuccessfully; (also) unfavourably.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > [adverb]
unhappily1533
unluckily?1544
unprosperously1564
improsperously1605
unsuccessfully1649
successlessly1652
insuccessively1657
unsuccessively1707
unkindly1743
1743 S. Hales Descr. Ventilators 97 This Kiln-drying often makes it grind unkindly.
1800 Compl. Young Man's Compan. 431 Umber is..very greasy, and mixes unkindly with water colours.
1866 London Society Dec. 532/1 The chances are..a hundred to one on the ‘noire’ this time. But the cards fall unkindly.
1877 A. Thomas Charlie Carew 182 She has been stricken down, and things have gone unkindly with the cattle and the sheep.
1887 Daily News 21 July 2/4 Fanfare remained a staunch favourite to the end. He, however, ran very unkindly.
1906 Jrnl. South-Eastern Agric. College, Wye No. 15. 190 Liquid manure makes the land work unkindly.
1957 Times of India 21 June 10/4 The balls ran unkindly for him in the closing stages.
2017 Southland (N.Z.) Times (Nexis) 8 Apr. (Sport section) 26 The trotter raced unkindly at Ascot Park last weekend.
3. † b. Modifying an adjective which has a positive meaning, with the sense ‘in a way that is also (unintentionally) harsh, inconsiderate, or unsympathetic’, ‘in such a way as to be harsh, inconsiderate, or unsympathetic’; esp. in unkindly kind. Obsolete.
a. In a mean-spirited or hard-hearted manner or with such intentions; with a lack of affection or courtesy; harshly, unsympathetically, inconsiderately.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > unkindness > [adverb]
unkindlya1393
untenderly?a1400
unmeeklya1425
ungentlyc1450
unkindfully?1534
kindlessly1826
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. l. 2558 Theseus hir Soster tok And hire unkindely forsok.
?a1425 (?a1350) T. Castleford Chron. (1996) I. l. 3686 He trowyt þat scho vold do hym noght, For he vnkyndly to her wroght.
c1450 (c1380) G. Chaucer House of Fame (Fairf. 16) (1878) l. 295 How he betrayed hir allas And lefte hir ful vnkyndely.
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xvii. 397 The whiche Reynawde kepeth..for his prysoner not vnkyndely.
a1500 (?c1300) Bevis of Hampton (Cambr.) p. 76 That he tolde me not, when he went, Iwysse, he dud onkyndely, verament.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream iii. ii. 184 But why, vnkindly, didst thou leaue mee so? View more context for this quotation
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 114 Vnkindly to cast him off that had so honourably vsed him in like extremitie.
1695 Ld. Preston tr. Boethius Of Consol. Philos. ii. 55 She hath looked unkindly upon thee.
1736 Daily Gazetteer 1 Sept. Rewards and Gratifications..which those in Possession had so unkindly denied him.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 57 I treated him most unkindly; and from no provocations.
1828 W. Scott Fair Maid of Perth x, in Chron. Canongate 2nd Ser. I. 262 ‘You will not deal so unkindly with us, cousin,’ replied the gentle Monarch.
1889 B. Whitby Awakening Mary Fenwick II. 45 Don't haul me over the coals so unkindly.
1921 Times 2 Mar. 7/2 The Official Receiver unkindly suggested that the settlement had been made to defraud.
1965 Math. Teacher 58 597/1 Fibonacci was also known, unkindly, as ‘The Blockhead’.
2017 Townsville (Queensland) Bull. (Nexis) 13 Jan. 4 Her father was generous and would never speak unkindly about others.
ΚΠ
1604 W. Alexander Aurora sig. B4 A fearefull boldnesse takes my mind,..And is vnkindly kind.
a1631 J. Donne Poems (1633) 194 When thou weep'st, unkindly kinde, My lifes blood doth decay.
1648 J. Beaumont Psyche xii. v. 204 He, unkindely courteous, could not Denie to hugg his Spouses seeming friend.
1839 Daily National Intelligencer (Washington) 23 Dec. Why been so unkindly kind? Why receive my commission and reject theirs?
1891 Dundee Courier & Argus 23 Nov. All the four, in notes more or less unkindly polite, declined to come!
1928 M. M. Knight et al. Econ. Hist. Europe ix. 573 Nature seemed almost unkindly kind to them.
4. Of the manner in which something is received, heard, etc.: as if intended with unkindness or offence; with dissatisfaction, resentment, or hostility; indignantly; disapprovingly.Recorded earliest, and now only, in to take (something) unkindly at Phrases 1. See also to take unkindly to at Phrases 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > indignation or resentment > [adverb]
highOE
unworthilyc1384
highlya1425
unkindly1550
offensively1589
stomachously1593
stomachfully1611
resentingly1698
resentfully1744
huffishly1755
indignantlya1783
offendedly1804
huffily1860
snarlingly1862
huffingly1864
grudgefully1882
injuredly1886
miffily1958
miffishly1968
1550 J. Harington tr. Cicero Bk. Freendeship f. 58 They take it vnkyndly that be chidden, wher as contrary wyse thei shoulde bee sory for their fault.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Timon of Athens (1623) iii. vii. 36 I hope it remaines not vnkindely with your Lordship, that I return'd you an empty Messenger. View more context for this quotation
1675 W. Penn England's Present Interest 9 Men, not conscious to themselves of Evil, and harshly treated, not only resent it unkindly, but are bold to shew it.
1771 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. l. 191 The only letter I ever addressed to the King was..unkindly received.
1835 Manch. Times 27 June Even reproof from his noble friend would never be received unkindly by him.
Phrases
P1. to take (something) unkindly: to accept (something) resentfully or with ingratitude; (also) to dislike or take offence at (something). Cf. to take (something) kindly at kindly adv. Phrases 1.Often with anticipatory it as object and clause as complement.
ΚΠ
1550 J. Harington tr. Cicero Bk. Freendeship f. 58 They take it vnkyndly that be chidden, wher as contrary wyse thie shoulde bee sory for their fault.
1562 T. Gresham in J. W. Burgon Life & Times Sir T. Gresham (1839) I. 448 Assewring yow, I doo take it very unkindelye at your handes.
1649 Moderate No. 58. 676 Morris and the other were found guilty and manacled with irons before they went from the Bar, which Morris took very unkindly.
1672 T. Shadwell Miser iv. iv. 70 I shall take it unkindly if you do not tell me.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World i. 99 Nothing to be had but for ready Money; which our Men took so unkindly,..that [etc.].
1757 R. Griffith & E. Griffith Lett. Henry & Frances II. cciv. 74 I..take it very unkindly that you will not recollect yourself a little, before you treat me with so much Ingratitude and Ungenerosity.
1825 London Mag. June 217 I take it unkindly to be left out.
1871 Star (Guernsey) 5 Dec. One random word unkindly taken, A time-tried friendship may eclipse.
1924 Times 3 May 7/5 He hoped his Liberal friends did not take unkindly this brief reference to Mr. Asquith's sudden conversion.
2016 Daily Independent (Nigeria) (Nexis) 24 Mar. Operators take it unkindly when I ask them questions that are not insurance-related.
P2. to take unkindly to: to dislike or be offended by; to resent; (also) to be unsuited to; to fare badly in. Cf. to take kindly to at kindly adv. Phrases 4.
ΚΠ
1693 J. Dryden tr. Juvenal in J. Dryden et al. tr. Juvenal Satires x. 203 Tho' Neptune took unkindly to be bound; And Eurus never such hard usage found In his Eolian Prisons under ground.
1856 Examiner 17 May 307 Town lads are frequently found to take unkindly to agricultural labour.
1879 Frank Leslie's Pop. Monthly May 558/2 Belle did not take unkindly to the idea.
1899 Golf Illustr. 24 Nov. 176/1 In most instances the turf takes unkindly to the change from its seaside home and gradually deteriorates.
1916 Our Paper 1 July 314/1 The Mexicans took unkindly to this invasion of their country.
1962 A. R. Burn Persia & Greeks x. 212 Greek citizens did take unkindly to long-continued discipline.
1998 Times 28 Aug. 46/8 He took unkindly to incursions into his private life.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2018; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adj.?c1225
adv.?c1225