unsportsmanlike

adjective

un·​sports·​man·​like ˌən-ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌlīk How to pronounce unsportsmanlike (audio)
Synonyms of unsportsmanlikenext
: not characteristic of or exhibiting good sportsmanship : not sportsmanlike
cited for unsportsmanlike behavior

Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

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Examples of unsportsmanlike in a Sentence

Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then, Keona Davis was hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct call after the play that resulted in a mild brouhaha near midfield. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Last week, Greenlaw was fined $11,941 for unsportsmanlike conduct after taunting the Broncos' sideline and head coach Sean Payton. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Leipold’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty advanced the ball to the 6-yard line. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026 Vrabel isn’t the first coach to be hit with an unsportsmanlike penalty this season. — Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike

Word History

First Known Use

1754, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsportsmanlike was in 1754

Rhymes for unsportsmanlike

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Browse Nearby Words

unsporting
unsportsmanlike
unspotted
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Cite this Entry

“Unsportsmanlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsportsmanlike. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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