What is the opposite of “kindliness”?

What is the antonym of “kindliness”?

The antonyms of kindliness are unkindness, meanness, and cruelty. These words convey a negative attitude towards others, implying a lack of compassion, generosity, or benevolence.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

unkindness

Lack of kindness or consideration towards others.

Example

Her unkindness towards her coworkers made it difficult for them to work together.

meanness

Behavior that is unkind, petty, or malicious.

Example

His meanness towards his little sister was a cause of concern for his parents.

cruelty

Behavior that causes pain, suffering, or harm to others.

Example

Animal cruelty is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by society.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Unkindness refers to a lack of kindness or consideration towards others.
• 2. Meanness implies behavior that is unkind, petty, or malicious.
• 3. Cruelty denotes behavior that causes pain, suffering, or harm to others.

Good things to know

• 1. Improve Communication: Use these antonyms to express negative attitudes towards others effectively.
• 2. Develop Empathy: Incorporate these words in conversations to demonstrate understanding of others' feelings.
• 3. Enrich Writing: Utilize these antonyms in narratives to create complex characters and compelling stories.

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Remember this!

The antonyms of kindliness are unkindness, meanness, and cruelty. These words convey negative attitudes towards others, ranging from a lack of kindness to behavior that causes pain and suffering. Use these words to improve communication, develop empathy, and enrich writing by creating complex characters and compelling stories.