unsportsmanlike
adjective
un·sports·man·like
ˌən-ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌlīk 
: not characteristic of or exhibiting good sportsmanship : not sportsmanlike
cited for unsportsmanlike behavior
Examples of unsportsmanlike in a Sentence
Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct
Recent Examples on the Web
There are also penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior, with contact between athletes common in such a chaotic environment.
—
Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Reviews showed Fears kicked Reynolds between the legs, and Fears was assessed a Class A technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Sweepstakes or website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void.
—AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Tre’davious White, who was called for the second one that moved the ball to Buffalo’s 8, threw his helmet down in disgust while arguing and got an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty.
—Rob Maaddi, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike
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.
Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
Reviews showed Fears kicked Reynolds between the legs, and Fears was assessed a Class A technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Sweepstakes or website, who act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void.
—AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Tre’davious White, who was called for the second one that moved the ball to Buffalo’s 8, threw his helmet down in disgust while arguing and got an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty.
—Rob Maaddi, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike
Cite this Entry
“Unsportsmanlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsportsmanlike. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
