unsociability
|un-so-ci-a-bil-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌʌnsoʊʃiəˈbɪlɪti/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌnsəʊʃiəˈbɪlɪti/
not sociable; avoiding company
Etymology
'unsociability' originates from English, formed by the negative prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') + 'sociability', where 'sociability' ultimately derives from Latin 'sociābilis' (from 'socius') meaning 'companion'.
'sociable' came into English via Old French and from Latin 'sociābilis'; 'sociability' was formed by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ity' to 'sociable', and later the prefix 'un-' was added to produce 'unsociability'.
Initially it meant 'not sociable; not inclined to associate with others', and over time it has retained this core sense with nuance varying between deliberate avoidance and natural shyness.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or quality of being unsociable; lack of sociability or unwillingness to engage in social interaction.
His unsociability made it difficult for him to join the study group.
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Noun 2
a tendency or disposition to avoid social contact; shyness or reluctance to mix with others (can imply either choice or awkwardness).
Her unsociability was mistaken for rudeness by some colleagues.
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Last updated: 2025/11/23 05:50