Synonyms of unsportsmanlike

unsportsmanlike

adjective

ˌən-ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌlīk 

as in foul

not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport

was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct

Synonyms & Similar Words

• foul
• unfair
• illegal
• nasty
• dirty
• shameful
• dishonorable
• low
• below the belt
• ungentlemanly
• unethical
• shabby
• immoral
• ignoble
• unjust
• unscrupulous
• unprincipled
• mean
• unchivalrous
• unrighteous
• rotten

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• legal
• fair
• clean
• sportsmanlike
• moral
• just
• ethical
• sportsmanly
• righteous
• scrupulous
• honorable
• principled
• law-abiding
• irreproachable
• unimpeachable

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unsportsmanlike

The remainder of the match played out much the same as the rest with Paraguay playing a brusque style of physical soccer, which at times flirted with unsportsmanlike play that went unpunished by the referee. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 4 July 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, 18 June 2026

This includes deliberately wasting time, persistently breaking rules, trying to trick the referees or unsportsmanlike behavior. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 June 2026

Benn was assessed a minor penalty for cross-checking, and Hartman got a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, creating a 4-on-4 situation. — CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026