WordGarden.iounladylike
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnlˈeɪdɪlˌaɪk/
US
Meanings
Adjective
not considered polite, refined, or proper for a woman by traditional social standards
Beyond the definition
"Unladylike" describes behavior that does not fit traditional ideas about how a woman should act. It is often used for things seen as too rough, too loud, too direct, or not polite enough by old social standards. A woman might be called unladylike for laughing loudly, speaking very bluntly, getting dirty while playing sports, or ignoring rules about looking graceful and calm. The word often carries criticism, and today many people see those standards as old-fashioned or unfair.
Think of a scene in an older novel where a girl is scolded for climbing trees or shouting in public; that would be called unladylike. Or imagine someone criticizing a woman for cheering wildly at a game or speaking her mind too strongly. In modern use, the word often sounds judgmental because many people reject the old rules behind it.
The word "unladylike" carries a lot of historical baggage. It originally described behavior seen as improper or unsuitable for women under strict social rules. This could include being very assertive, showing strong emotions in public, doing hard physical work, using coarse language, or simply not acting in a quiet, graceful, and modest way. In many cases, the word was used to police women's behavior and push them toward a narrow idea of femininity.
The meaning of "unladylike" has changed over time. As social attitudes and gender roles have changed, many things once called unladylike no longer seem shocking at all. Behaviors such as wearing practical clothes, pursuing a career, playing competitive sports, or speaking openly and confidently may once have drawn criticism, but are now often seen as normal, admirable, or simply personal choice.
Today, "unladylike" can still describe behavior that someone sees as rude, rough, or lacking polish, but it is widely understood as a subjective term tied to outdated expectations. You might hear someone say, "It was rather unladylike of her to interrupt," meaning they thought the interruption was impolite. You might also see the word in historical writing, where a woman is criticized as "unladylike" for doing something that challenged the rules of her time.
The word usually does more than describe behavior; it also passes judgment on how a woman is supposed to behave. Because of that, it can reinforce unfair stereotypes and unequal expectations. In modern English, it often sounds old-fashioned, critical, or ironic, especially when speakers want to question the social rules behind it. In that sense, "unladylike" is a reminder that ideas about proper behavior are shaped by culture and can change a great deal over time.
Examples
- 1
Traditional judgment
Her grandmother still thinks it's unladylike for women to smoke in public.
- Caution
unladylike often sounds old-fashioned or judgmental
- 2
School rules
At that school, girls were told it was unladylike to speak too loudly.
- 3
Sexist comment
The newspaper described her laugh as unladylike, and many readers thought the comment was sexist.
- 4
Ambition
She rejected the idea that being ambitious was somehow unladylike.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- unladylike behavior
- unladylike language
- unladylike conduct
- considered unladylike
Word family
Explore
- decorum
- gender expectations
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unladylikeadjective