churlish

adjective churl·ish \ˈchər-lish\

: not polite

Full Definition of CHURLISH

: of, resembling, or characteristic of a churl : vulgar

: marked by a lack of civility or graciousness : surly

: difficult to work with or deal with : intractable <churlish soil>

— churl·ish·ly adverb

— churl·ish·ness noun

See churlish defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of CHURLISH

before 12th century

Related to CHURLISH

Synonyms: boorish, clownish, classless, cloddish, loutish, uncouth

Synonym Discussion of CHURLISH

boorish, churlish, loutish, clownish mean uncouth in manners or appearance. boorish implies rudeness of manner due to insensitiveness to others' feelings and unwillingness to be agreeable <a drunk's boorish behavior>. churlish suggests surliness, unresponsiveness, and ungraciousness <churlish remarks>. loutish implies bodily awkwardness together with stupidity <a loutish oaf>. clownish suggests ill-bred awkwardness, ignorance or stupidity, ungainliness, and often a propensity for absurd antics <an adolescent's clownish conduct>.

Rhymes with CHURLISH

girlish

Learn More About CHURLISH

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "churlish"

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