unsportsmanlike

adjective

un·​sports·​man·​like ˌən-ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌlīk How to pronounce unsportsmanlike (audio)
: not characteristic of or exhibiting good sportsmanship : not sportsmanlike

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.
Among those penalized was Smith-Njigba, who was fined $14,191 for unsportsmanlike conduct (use of a prop) after dunking the football over the crossbar following his touchdown against the Texans — a celebration that, per league rules, is not permitted. Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025 Texas Tech’s football team was penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct because fans hurled tortillas during a 42-17 win over Kansas earlier this month. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2025 Carolina matched that with its own 11-play, 84-yard scoring drive that was aided by unsportsmanlike and defensive holding penalties against the Bears. Jeff Faraudo, Mercury News, 18 Oct. 2025 Branch’s postgame outburst was not the first time unsportsmanlike conduct has hurt him. Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unsportsmanlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsportsmanlike. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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