Definition

Not showing the qualities or behavior expected from a good athlete, such as fairness and respect.

Example

His unsportsmanlike conduct during the game upset many fans.

Conversation

Did you see that last game?

Yeah, it was intense, but the ref missed a lot of calls.

I thought that some players were being really unsportsmanlike too.

Totally, it’s frustrating when they don’t just play fair.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unsportsmanlike → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not), "sportsman" (from "sport" which comes from Old French *desport*, meaning leisure or activity), and "-like" (meaning resembling or characteristic of). The word describes behavior that is not characteristic of a good sportsman, implying unfairness or lack of respect in sports.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being combined with 'sportsman' to describe someone who does not behave like a good sportsman, which helps you remember that 'unsportsmanlike' refers to unfair or disrespectful behavior in sports.

Visually Confused Words