unkind message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unkind message" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a message that is harsh, rude, or lacking in kindness, often in the context of communication that may hurt someone's feelings. Example: "After reading the unkind message, she felt disheartened and unsure of how to respond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mulford's own daughter, also thirteen, had been given the password to the account, and had sent at least one unkind message to Megan in Josh's name.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I had two very unkind messages about my batting average which i mentioned earlier (if my inbox is anything to go by, you must have MILLIONS of lurking readers)," writes Robert Wilson (see Sri Lanka's 10th over).

The Guardian - Sport

The gangland world is certainly an odd one: one day you're being convicted of torture, the next you're taking an old rival to court for posting unkind messages about you on Facebook.

Vice

The more that you learn to interrupt the unkind, berating, fear-provoking messages to yourself, the more confidence you will have.

HuffPost

"I always tell my doula client, 'You do uterus,' and I mean that!" Although Bolduc has received mostly positive feedback to her story, she told HuffPost she's also gotten her fair share of unkind and hurtful comments and messages.

HuffPost

Messages were revealed in which she wrote unkind things about Hollywood stars and joked that President Obama probably prefers movies with black lead actors.

Forbes

In one instance, an open e-mail message disclosed a password; in another, a chat message contained some unkind words about a third party.

The New York Times - Arts

When you're unkind to other people and especially to people that are "weaker" than you, you send the message that she might someday expect the same.

WikiHow

Hackers leaked private messages between top executives at Sony about the stars in their upcoming films, which were thoughtless and unkind, causing many uncomfortable and awkward moments in Hollywood.

Huffington Post

Francis: "UNKIND".

The Guardian - Books

It is unkind, so unkind.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the emotional impact of a message, consider using "unkind message" to convey a sense of emotional discomfort without being overly accusatory. It allows for a nuanced portrayal of the situation, especially when intent is unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "unkind message" in highly formal or professional settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat informal. Instead, opt for phrases like "inappropriate communication" or "unprofessional correspondence" to maintain a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unkind message" functions as a noun phrase where "unkind" modifies the noun "message". It describes the quality or nature of the message, indicating that it is not pleasant or considerate. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unkind message" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a message lacking in empathy and potentially hurtful. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While relatively infrequent, its primary context lies within news and media. When writing, consider the level of formality required and, if necessary, opt for alternatives like "inappropriate communication" for professional settings. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of emotional discomfort and highlights instances of negative communication. It's important to note its function, purpose, and register to ensure correct and impactful usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mean message

Replaces "unkind" with a more direct synonym, "mean".

hurtful message

Focuses on the impact of the message, emphasizing the potential to cause hurt.

nasty message

Substitutes "unkind" with "nasty", indicating a message that is unpleasant and offensive.

cruel message

Replaces "unkind" with "cruel", suggesting a message that is intentionally causing pain.

unpleasant message

A more general term, indicating the message is not agreeable.

offensive message

Highlights that the message violates accepted standards of behavior.

disagreeable message

Indicates that the message is likely to cause disagreement or disapproval.

unkind communication

Replaces "message" with the broader term "communication".

insensitive message

Emphasizes a lack of consideration for others' feelings.

harsh message

Suggests the message is severe and unyielding.

FAQs

How can I use "unkind message" in a sentence?

You can use "unkind message" to describe a message that is not nice or causes hurt feelings. For example: "She received an "unkind message" from a former classmate." or "The company apologized for the "unkind message" sent by one of its representatives."

What's a more formal alternative to "unkind message"?

For a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "inappropriate communication" or "offensive correspondence". These options are better suited for professional contexts where a neutral tone is preferred.

What are some synonyms for "unkind message"?

Synonyms for "unkind message" include "mean message", "hurtful message", and "nasty message". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "unkind message" too harsh for some situations?

Depending on the context, "unkind message" might be too strong. If you need a milder term, consider "thoughtless message" or "insensitive message".