Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not feeling or expressing gratitude: Describes a person who does not show thankfulness or acknowledge the value of something given or done for them.
   • Not recognizing the worth or quality of something: Describes a lack of recognition or positive valuation for the merit, beauty, or importance of someone or something.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • She was hurt by her friend's unappreciative silence after all her help.
  • The artist felt unappreciative audiences failed to understand his work.
  • It is unappreciative to complain about such a generous gift.

Advanced Usage

• "To be unappreciative of": This is the standard collocation used to specify what is not valued.
  • He seemed utterly unappreciative of the sacrifices his parents made for his education.
• Used to describe a general attitude or a specific instance of ingratitude or lack of recognition.

Variants and Related Words

• Unappreciatively (adverb): In a manner that shows no gratitude or recognition.
  • He nodded unappreciatively and turned away.
• Appreciative (adjective): The direct antonym, meaning feeling or showing gratitude or pleasure.
  • We are deeply appreciative of your support.

Synonyms

• Ungrateful: Not feeling or showing thanks (often stronger, implying a moral failing).
• Thankless: (Of a task or person) Not likely to be rewarded with thanks.
• Unthankful: Not thankful or grateful (less common).

Antonyms

• Appreciative: Feeling or showing gratitude or pleasure.
• Grateful: Feeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received.
• Thankful: Pleased and relieved, expressing gratitude.

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The core meaning relates to a lack of gratitude. It often carries a negative judgment, suggesting the person feel or express appreciation.
• Secondary Meaning: It can extend beyond personal favors to a general failure to value qualities, art, nature, or effort. The example "unappreciative of nature's bounty" illustrates this broader sense of not valuing what is offered or available.

Adjective

1. not feeling or expressing gratitude
   • unappreciative of nature's bounty