ungratefulness

USAGE SUMMARY

"ungratefulness" is a real word and is correct to use in written English.
You could use it to describe someone who fails to show appreciation or gratitude for something someone has done for them, or an attitude of being unappreciative. For example: "The ungratefulness of the boss's assistant was almost unbearable after she received a pay raise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Mr. Pittu plays the sinister Cecil with a savory, ripe sense of cool malice, although he has a tryingly melodramatic scene in the second act, when Cecil writhes in agony at the ungratefulness of his superiors.

The New York Times

(Colombia's vice president, Francisco Santos, said she deserved a "world prize for ungratefulness").

The New York Times - Books

It's futile to accuse them of ungratefulness.

The Guardian - Opinion

Adding to the insult in some German eyes is a perceived ungratefulness in Athens.

The Guardian

What Lear hears is only ungratefulness for a gift that has nothing to do with giving.

The New Yorker

Seneca's tone suggests that he agrees with a popular sentiment when he says that ungratefulness is an extremely grave and widespread vice.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and tone. While "ungratefulness" is a valid term, synonyms like "lack of gratitude" might be preferable in certain formal or sensitive situations.

Common error

Avoid attributing "ungratefulness" solely to personality traits. Consider external factors influencing behavior, such as unmet expectations or miscommunication, to provide a more nuanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ungratefulness" is as a noun. It typically functions as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the quality, state, or act of being ungrateful, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ungratefulness" is a grammatically correct noun used to describe a lack of gratitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for expressing disapproval or criticism regarding a perceived absence of thankfulness. While not overly common, it appears more frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a formal and neutral register. Related phrases include "lack of gratitude" and "ingratitude", offering alternative ways to express similar sentiments. When using "ungratefulness", ensure the context warrants its critical tone, and consider the potential for misinterpreting the underlying causes of the behavior. The few examples provided by Ludwig underscore its presence in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ingratitude

This is a direct synonym, offering the most similar meaning and interchangeability with "ungratefulness".

unthankfulness

A more direct and straightforward synonym, perhaps slightly less formal than "ungratefulness".

lack of gratitude

This alternative directly points to the absence of thankfulness, maintaining a formal tone similar to "ungratefulness".

unappreciativeness

This alternative is closely related, highlighting the quality of not being appreciative.

absence of thankfulness

This phrase explicitly states that there is no thankfulness present.

lack of appreciation

This alternative emphasizes the absence of recognizing the value or worth of something.

failure to appreciate

This phrase highlights the act of not recognizing or valuing something properly.

want of gratitude

This alternative uses more formal language to convey the deficiency of gratitude.

disregard for kindness

This option focuses on ignoring or overlooking acts of kindness received.

lack of recognition

This shifts the focus to not acknowledging or recognizing the value of something.

FAQs

How can I use "ungratefulness" in a sentence?

You can use "ungratefulness" to describe a state or act of being ungrateful. For example, "His "ungratefulness" was evident when he didn't acknowledge the gift."

What is the difference between "ungratefulness" and "ingratitude"?

"Ungratefulness" and "ingratitude" are often used interchangeably. However, "ungratefulness" can sometimes imply a more active or demonstrated lack of gratitude, while "ingratitude" may be a more general state of lacking thankfulness.

What are some phrases similar to "ungratefulness"?

Similar phrases include "lack of gratitude", "lack of appreciation", and "unthankfulness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "ungratefulness" a formal or informal word?

"Ungratefulness" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. In very informal contexts, you might prefer simpler terms like "not being thankful" or "not appreciating".