What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unsocial
Example
She's always been unsocial and prefers to spend her time alone. [unsocial: adjective]
Example
The party was quite unsocial, with everyone sitting in silence. [unsocial: adjective]
antisocial
Example
He was arrested for his antisocial behavior, including vandalism and theft. [antisocial: adjective]
Example
The pandemic has caused many people to become antisocial, avoiding contact with others. [antisocial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unsocial is less commonly used than antisocial in everyday language. Antisocial is a more severe term and is often used in legal or psychological contexts, while unsocial is a milder descriptor that is more commonly used in casual conversation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between unsocial and antisocial?
Both unsocial and antisocial are generally considered informal terms, but antisocial may be used in more formal contexts due to its legal and psychological implications.