What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unappreciative
Example
She was unappreciative of all the hard work her team had put in to make the project successful. [unappreciative: adjective]
Example
He seemed unappreciative of the gift she had given him, barely acknowledging it with a quick 'thanks'. [unappreciative: adjective]
ungrateful
Example
She was ungrateful for all the support her family had given her, always expecting more without saying thank you. [ungrateful: adjective]
Example
He acted ungrateful when his friend offered to help him move, complaining about the inconvenience instead of being thankful. [ungrateful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ungrateful is more commonly used than unappreciative in everyday language. Ungrateful is a more specific term that is often used in situations involving acts of kindness or generosity, while unappreciative is less common and has a broader range of applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unappreciative and ungrateful?
Both unappreciative and ungrateful are informal terms that are typically used in casual conversation. Neither word is particularly formal or appropriate for professional or academic settings.