Langimage
English

unsportsmanlike

|un/sports/man/like|

B2

🇺🇸

/ʌnˈspɔrtsmənˌlaɪk/

🇬🇧

/ʌnˈspɔːtsmənˌlaɪk/

unfair behavior

Etymology
Etymology Information

'unsportsmanlike' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'sportsmanlike,' which refers to behavior befitting a sportsman.

Historical Evolution

'sportsmanlike' evolved from the word 'sportsman,' which was used in the 18th century to describe someone who participates in sports.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not behaving like a sportsman,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

not fair, generous, or polite in a game or sport.

His behavior on the field was unsportsmanlike.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42