Definition

Noun: A person who is habitually cruel, harsh, or lacking in sympathy and consideration for others; a mean-spirited individual.

Usage

This term is used to describe someone whose typical behavior is characterized by a lack of kindness. It refers to a person's enduring character trait rather than a single unkind action. - It functions as a countable noun. - It often carries a strong negative judgment.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in formal assessments or informal criticism.
• It is often employed in narrative or descriptive contexts to establish a character's nature.
• "Proven to be an unkind person": Used when someone's actions have demonstrated their mean disposition over time.
  • His testimony in court proved he was an unkind person.

Variants and Related Words

• Meanie (n, informal): A less formal, sometimes childish term for an unkind person.
• Bully (n): Specifically denotes an unkind person who uses strength or power to intimidate others.
• Malcontent (n): A person who is dissatisfied and rebellious, which may manifest as unkind behavior.

Synonyms

• Mean person
• Cruel person
• Nasty individual
• Malicious person

Antonyms

• Kind person
• Benevolent person
• Considerate individual
• Compassionate soul

Related Phrases

• A person of mean disposition: A more formal or literary equivalent phrase.
  • The novel's villain was a person of mean disposition.
• To have a mean streak: Describes someone who is not always but is capable of being an unkind person.
  • He seems friendly, but he has a mean streak.

Noun

1. a person of mean disposition