unsportsmanlike

adjective

un·​sports·​man·​like ˌən-ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌlīk How to pronounce unsportsmanlike (audio)
Synonyms of unsportsmanlikenext
: 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
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.
There were multiple controversial calls in this game, including an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on a Chris Boswell field goal attempt for the Steelers that the NFL admitted was wrong. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025 Not for Elliss, but Giants tight end Theo Johnson who instigated a fight on the sideline and drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 2 Dec. 2025 Crosby, walking just ahead of Herbert, turned and shoved the quarterback to the turf, drawing the ire of the Chargers’ sideline and a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 1 Dec. 2025 Offensive tackle Dan Skipper was also hit with a $6,917 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting) in the third quarter. Anne Erickson, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 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 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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