Definition

Not following the rules or accepted practices of a parliamentary system.

Example

The speaker ruled the comment as unparliamentary and asked the member to retract it.

Conversation

Did you hear that debate last night?

Yeah, some of the comments were really unparliamentary!

I know, right? It’s surprising how people can get so heated.

Totally! It makes you wonder if they even remember the rules.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unparliamentary → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "parliamentary" (from Old French *parlementaire*, meaning relating to a parliament). The word describes something that is not in accordance with the rules or decorum of parliamentary procedure.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') following the rules of a 'parliament' — that's why 'unparliamentary' means not following parliamentary rules.

Visually Confused Words