unmaternal
Lacking motherly warmth
Unmaternal describes a woman who lacks the nurturing, protective, or affectionate qualities traditionally associated with motherhood.
The word often carries judgment: She felt guilty about her unmaternal indifference to babies.
It can describe specific behavior or a general disposition: an unmaternal coldness, unmaternal thoughts about her own children.
Lacking emotional concern
- unaffectionateNot showing fondness
- cold-heartedDevoid of empathy
- hardheartedLacking sympathy or pity
- heartlessLacking pity or mercy
callous · insensitive · unnurturing · uncomforting · ungentle · unkind · harsh · rejecting
Extremely and intensely cold
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- distantFar away or aloof
- detachedApart or uninvolved
- chillyModerately cold
frosty · icy · cool · reserved · remote · unapproachable · standoffish · withdrawn
Failing in due care
- inattentiveNot paying attention
- irresponsibleLacking sense of duty
- carelessInattentive, prone to mistakes
- remissNeglectful of duty
absent · lax · unmindful · heedless · disregardful · derelict · abandoning · shirking
uncaring
Lacking emotional concern
- unaffectionateNot showing fondness
- cold-heartedDevoid of empathy
- hardheartedLacking sympathy or pity
heartless · callous · insensitive · unnurturing · uncomforting · ungentle · unkind · harsh · rejecting · withholding
frigid
Extremely and intensely cold
chilly · frosty · icy · cool · reserved · remote · unapproachable · standoffish · withdrawn · unwarm
negligent
Failing in due care
- inattentiveNot paying attention
- irresponsibleLacking sense of duty
- carelessInattentive, prone to mistakes
remiss · absent · lax · unmindful · heedless · disregardful · derelict · abandoning · shirking · uninvolved