WordGarden.ioungallant
C1Pronunciation
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Meanings
Adjective
rude, discourteous, or unchivalrous, especially toward women
Beyond the definition
Imagine a knight in shining armor, the very picture of politeness and bravery. To be ungallant is to act like anything but that knight. It means behaving in a rude or discourteous way, especially when courtesy, kindness, or respectful manners are expected. The word was often used for a man's behavior toward a woman, but it can also describe anyone acting without care or respect.
Think of a character in a story who pushes past someone without apologizing, makes a sharp comment, or ignores a simple act of courtesy. That is an ungallant act. It is more than ordinary impoliteness; it suggests a noticeable lack of respect or good manners. In a Jane Austen novel, a gentleman behaving ungallantly would cause quite a stir.
The word ungallant describes behavior that is rude, discourteous, or lacking in chivalrous qualities. Historically, "gallant" suggested someone who was brave, honorable, and especially polite or attentive toward women. Because of that, ungallant often referred to conduct that fell short of those social expectations and showed poor manners or a lack of respect.
While the old code of chivalry is less central today, ungallant still carries a clear sense of rudeness and insensitivity. It suggests that someone is acting without grace, courtesy, or consideration for other people. You might describe a man who makes rude remarks to a woman as ungallant, or use the word more broadly for someone whose behavior is noticeably lacking in respect.
The term often has a slightly old-fashioned feel, bringing to mind courtly manners, formal politeness, and romantic gestures. Even so, it is still useful when you want to describe behavior that feels pointedly discourteous, especially in situations where better manners are expected. It is not just a stronger form of "impolite"; it often hints at failing to show the courtesy that the moment seems to call for.
For example: "His ungallant remarks offended everyone at the table," or "The hero's ungallant behavior surprised the whole room." The term can also be used with a touch of irony, highlighting the gap between how someone was expected to act and how they actually behaved. If a person is rude in a setting that calls for courtesy, ungallant can be exactly the right word.
Examples
- 1
Everyday manners
It was ungallant of him to walk ahead and leave her with both suitcases.
- Usage
Often used in a slightly old-fashioned or humorous way.
- 2
Dinner conversation
She laughed and said it was ungallant to ask a woman her age at dinner.
- 3
Offensive remark
His ungallant remark about women drivers offended half the table.
See also
Similar
- unchivalrous
- discourteous
- rude
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- ungallant behavior
- ungallant remark
- ungallant of someone
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- ungallantadjective