What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hostile
Example
The two countries have been in a hostile relationship for years. [hostile: adjective]
Example
He gave me a hostile look when I walked into the room. [hostile: adjective]
Example
The workplace had a hostile environment due to the constant conflicts between coworkers. [hostile: noun]
unfriendly
Example
The new neighbor was unfriendly and didn't want to talk to anyone. [unfriendly: adjective]
Example
The party had an unfriendly vibe, and no one seemed to be having a good time. [unfriendly: adjective]
Example
The customer service representative was unfriendly and unhelpful. [unfriendly: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unfriendly is more commonly used than hostile in everyday language. Unfriendly is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while hostile is a more severe word that is often reserved for more serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hostile and unfriendly?
Both hostile and unfriendly are relatively formal words that are not often used in casual conversation. However, hostile is generally considered to be a more formal word than unfriendly due to its severity and intensity.
