adj
Uncommon
antisocial
an-tee-SOH-shuhl
Antisocial (adj) means unwilling or unable to interact comfortably with other people. Example: “He's not rude, just a bit antisocial — he prefers his own company.”
adj
1
Unwilling or unable to interact comfortably with other people.
"He's not rude, just a bit antisocial — he prefers his own company."
2
Harmful or disruptive to public order and other people in society.
"The council cracked down on antisocial behaviour in the town centre."
How to use antisocial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither shy and withdrawn around people, or actively disruptive and harmful to others.
Common mistake
In everyday speech "antisocial" often just means shy or unsociable, but in law and psychology it describes behaviour that is actively harmful to others — the two senses can cause confusion.
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Word forms
- Plural
- antisocials
- Comparative
- more antisocial
- Superlative
- most antisocial
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He's not rude, just a bit _____ — he prefers his own company.
Etymology
Built from anti- ("against") and social.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for antisocial
See all rhymes for antisocial →Frequently asked questions
What does “antisocial” mean?
The word “antisocial” means unwilling or unable to interact comfortably with other people. In plain terms, either shy and withdrawn around people, or actively disruptive and harmful to others.
How do you pronounce “antisocial”?
“Antisocial” is pronounced an-tee-SOH-shuhl (/ˌæntiˈsoʊʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “antisocial” in a sentence?
Here is “antisocial” used in a sentence: “He's not rude, just a bit antisocial — he prefers his own company.”
What is the opposite of “antisocial”?
The opposite of “antisocial” — its antonyms — is prosocial.
What part of speech is “antisocial”?
“Antisocial” is an adjective.
Is “antisocial” a common word?
“Antisocial” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “antisocial” have?
“Antisocial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unwilling or unable to interact comfortably with other people.
