1. = INGRATITUDE 1.
1581. Sidney, Apol. Poetrie (Arb.), 20. They goe very neer to vngratfulnes, to seek to deface that which … hath been the first light-giuer to ignorance.
1599. Sandys, Europæ Spec. (1632), 247. Those graces and blessings, which vngratefulnesse would not acknowledge.
1631. Gouge, God’s Arrows, I. § 20. 27. O the ungratefulnesse of the wicked in the world!
1734. Chalkley, Jrnl., Wks. (1766), 271. A Youth … went out hastily … as I was showing the Ungratefulness of the first [sc. disobedience], much more of the last.
1896. Cincinnati (Ohio) Sunday Sch. Jrnl., April, 237/1. The ungratefulness of people to those who have helped them.
2. Unpleasantness; disagreeableness. rare.
a. 1680. Glanvill, in Disc. Serm., & Rem. (1681), 338. He (considering the ungratefulness of the Message …) diverts another way, and flees towards Tarshish.
a. 1688. Cudworth, Immut. Mor. (1731), 54. The Gratefulness and Ungratefulness of Tastes and Smells.
