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.
Zverev was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct. — ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 The on-ice officials penalized Benn for the cross-check, but also put Hartman in the penalty box for unsportsmanlike conduct. — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026 While on-ice taunts have become rarer due to the risk of drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, content creators have filled the chirping void with ‘golf season’ parodies. — Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026 This face-to-face interaction contrasts with online chess, where players often encounter trolling and unsportsmanlike behavior. — Sara Hansen, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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