unsocial

unsocial — adjective

1. describing work shifts that fall outside the usual daytime weekday routine, such

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing work shifts that fall outside the usual daytime weekday routine, such as late evenings, overnight, or weekends

例句

Amani works unsocial hours at the hospital, including night shifts and every other weekend.

collocation: unsocial hours + typical workplaces (hospital)

James found it hard to sleep when his factory job required unsocial hours each month.

pattern: find + it + adj + to-infinitive showing consequence

同義詞
  • antisocial

    Used interchangeably in British English for work hours, but 'antisocial' more broadly means behaviour harmful to society.

  • non-standard

    Neutral term for hours outside the 9-to-5 norm, less common in everyday speech.

反義詞
  • regular

    Describes standard daytime weekday hours.

  • conventional

    Refers to the usual 9-to-5 or Monday-to-Friday pattern.

用法筆記

Almost always used before a noun referring to work time (hours, shifts, schedule). This phrase is standard in British English employment contexts; in American English, 'nontraditional hours' or 'shift work' is more common.

常見錯誤

❌I had an unsocial evening at home.
✅I worked unsocial hours last night.
💡'unsocial' describes work schedules, not a person's evening.
❌He is unsocial and never talks to anyone.
✅He works unsocial hours as a night guard.
💡For describing personality, use 'unsociable' or 'antisocial' instead.

2. tending to avoid the company of other people or showing little interest in joini

2.形容詞C1
釋義

tending to avoid the company of other people or showing little interest in joining social activities

例句

Noa has been rather unsocial lately, often eating lunch alone and skipping office parties.

pattern: has been + [adverb] + [adjective] describing current state

Nila's quiet and unsocial manner kept classmates from approaching her at the new school.

同義詞
  • unsociable

    The preferred modern term for someone who avoids company; 'unsocial' is less common but means the same thing.

  • reclusive

    More extreme, suggesting someone who actively withdraws from society rather than just disliking social events.

  • aloof

    Focuses on a cool, distant manner towards others, often with a hint of disapproval.

反義詞
  • sociable

    Friendly and enjoying the company of others.

  • outgoing

    Actively seeks social interaction and is comfortable in groups.

  • gregarious

    Likes to be with other people; fond of company.

用法筆記

This sense is less common than its synonym 'unsociable'. In modern English, 'unsociable' is preferred for describing personality. 'Unsocial' in this meaning can sound slightly old-fashioned or formal. Do not confuse with 'antisocial', which implies behaviour that harms or disregards others.

常見錯誤

❌He was fined for unsocial behaviour.
✅He was fined for antisocial behaviour.
💡'Antisocial' is the correct term for harmful or illegal conduct toward others.
❌She prefers an unsocial life in the countryside.
✅She prefers an unsociable life in the countryside.
💡'Unsociable' is the standard choice for describing a person's preference for solitude.