as in foul
not being in accordance with the rules or standards of what is fair in sport
was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct
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Recent Examples of unsportsmanlike
Earlier this month, the Big East fined Hurley $25,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
—
ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Giveaway 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, 6 Mar. 2026
That seemingly prompted Gilgeous-Alexander to throw the ball at Jokic and receive an unsportsmanlike technical foul.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026
There are also penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior, with contact between athletes common in such a chaotic environment.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike
ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Giveaway 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, 6 Mar. 2026
That seemingly prompted Gilgeous-Alexander to throw the ball at Jokic and receive an unsportsmanlike technical foul.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026
There are also penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior, with contact between athletes common in such a chaotic environment.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for unsportsmanlike
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unsportsmanlike
Adjective
-
Shaw lined out to right field, Bregman popped out into foul territory and, after Ian Happ was intentionally walked, Seiya Suzuki also popped out in foul territory to end the game.—
Andy Martinez,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Playing first base, he was booed for dropping a foul pop-up, then made a catch on a similar ball.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
However, within just a few years the FLW and Bassmaster professional tours fully banned the use of the A-rig in tournaments, claiming an unfair advantage and various issues with state regulations.—
Derek Horner,
Outdoor Life,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The report also found certain undergraduate admissions practices appeared unfair to the public, specifically the preferential treatment of certain applicants, including legacies, varsity athletes, and children of faculty, staff, and donors.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
-
Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Adjective
-
This was the old Magic — the nasty, physical, suffocating defensive team that made every possession feel like work.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Apr. 2026
-
From there, the beef between the two couples runs the gamut from faux-gentile to downright nasty.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unsportsmanlike.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unsportsmanlike. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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