unsocial

Everyday

1. Unsocial means not wanting to be with other people, or not friendly in company. tree →
2. (UK, Ireland, Australia) Unsocial hours are working hours at night, early morning or weekends, when most people are not at work. tree →

In the lessons

In family and money talk: nurses, police and bakers often work unsocial hours, sometimes for extra pay. In behaviour talk: «unsocial» is close to «unsociable». «Antisocial» is different: harmful to others.

Examples

• Nurses often work unsocial hours. tree →
• Dad gets extra pay for unsocial hours on Sundays. tree →
• Our cat is unsocial and hides when guests come. tree →
• Bakers start at unsocial hours, like 4 in the morning. tree →
• Feeling unsocial sometimes is normal. tree →
• The night shift is unsocial but well paid. tree →

Note

Close to «unsociable» (not enjoying company). Do not mix with «antisocial», which means harming or annoying others, like vandalism. «Unsocial hours» is a fixed UK phrase.