ungrateful

adjective

un·​grate·​ful ˌən-ˈgrāt-fəl How to pronounce ungrateful (audio)
Synonyms of ungratefulnext
1
: showing no gratitude : making a poor return
an ungrateful child
2
: disagreeable
also : thankless
ungratefully
ˌən-ˈgrāt-fə-lē How to pronounce ungrateful (audio)
adverb
ungratefulness noun

Synonyms

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Examples of ungrateful in a Sentence

I don't mean to seem ungrateful. the park's custodial staff has the ungrateful job of cleaning up after the Independence Day party is over
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What To Know The Trump administration has accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for the vast amount of U.S. military assistance, although the Ukrainian leader has repeatedly thanked officials and the American people for backing its war effort. — Ellie Cook, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025 That deal looks off the table for now after the fiery showdown which saw the Ukrainians instructed to leave the White House, accused of being ungrateful for American military support. — Helen Regan, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025 In an extraordinary meeting that was broadcast live on Friday, Trump accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful for U.S. aid, of showing disrespect to his country and of risking World War III, casting into doubt Washington's ongoing support for Ukraine in its three-year-long war with Russia. — Reuters, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025 Trump might feel that the Taiwanese have been ungrateful and have not paid tribute. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ungrateful

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ungrateful was in 1533

Rhymes for ungrateful

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ungrateful
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Cite this Entry

“Ungrateful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ungrateful. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ungrateful

adjective
un·​grate·​ful ˌən-ˈgrāt-fəl How to pronounce ungrateful (audio)
ˈən-
1
: not thankful for favors
an ungrateful child
2
: not pleasing : disagreeable
an ungrateful task
ungratefully
-fə-lē How to pronounce ungrateful (audio)
adverb
ungratefulness noun

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Nglish: Translation of ungrateful for Spanish Speakers

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