Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not exhibiting the qualities expected in a friendly neighbor: Describes behavior, actions, or an attitude that is not considerate, helpful, or sociable towards those who live nearby. It implies a lack of the goodwill and cooperation typically associated with being a good neighbor.

Usage

• The adjective unneighbourly is used to describe a person, their actions, or their general disposition. It is a formal or literary term, more common in British English (where it is spelled "unneighbourly") than in American English (where "unneighborly" is the standard spelling). It is typically used in contexts discussing community relations, property disputes, or social conduct.

Examples

• The council received a complaint about the unneighbourly conduct of the new tenants, who played loud music late at night.
• Building a high fence without consultation was seen as an unneighbourly act.
• Her unneighbourly attitude made it difficult for others on the street to feel a sense of community.

Advanced Usage

• "unneighbourly behaviour/conduct": A common collocation referring to specific actions that disrupt the peace or harmony of a neighborhood.
  • Persistent parking in front of someone else's driveway is considered unneighbourly behaviour.
• Used in legal or official contexts, such as in housing association rules or local ordinances.
  • The lease agreement includes clauses prohibiting unneighbourly activities.

Variants and Related Words

• Unneighborly (adj): The American English spelling of "unneighbourly," with the same meaning.
• Neighbourly/Neighborly (adj): The positive antonym, meaning friendly, kind, and helpful towards neighbors.
• Inhospitable (adj): While broader, it can overlap in meaning by describing an unwelcoming attitude.

Synonyms

• Inconsiderate: Not thinking of other people's feelings or needs.
• Unfriendly: Not kind or pleasant.
• Antisocial: Contrary to the laws and customs of society, often causing annoyance.
• Uncooperative: Not willing to help others or do what they ask.

Antonyms

• Neighbourly/Neighborly
• Friendly
• Considerate
• Sociable
• Helpful

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Bad blood between neighbors: This idiom describes a state of lasting anger and dislike, often resulting from unneighbourly actions.
  • The unneighbourly dispute over the tree roots led to bad blood between the families.
• To keep oneself to oneself: While not inherently negative, this phrase can describe a reclusive attitude that might be perceived as unneighbourly in a close-knit community.
  • Some saw her quiet nature as being unneighbourly, but she simply liked to keep herself to herself.

Adjective

1. not exhibiting the qualities expected in a friendly neighbor