WordGarden.iounmannerly
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnmˈænəli/
US
- /ˌʌnˈmænərli/alsofigurativelyadjective
Meanings
Adjective
rude or lacking good manners
Beyond the definition
Imagine attending a dinner party and someone keeps talking with their mouth full and interrupting everyone at the table. That would be unmannerly behavior. It means having bad manners or acting in a rude, disrespectful way. A child might be described as unmannerly if they keep interrupting adults, and a guest might seem unmannerly if they ignore basic courtesy. What counts as unmannerly can also depend on the culture, because manners are not exactly the same everywhere.
The word unmannerly describes behavior that lacks good manners, politeness, or consideration for other people. It often suggests a failure to follow basic social rules or show ordinary courtesy. While rude behavior can be deliberate, unmannerly behavior is not always meant to offend. Sometimes it comes from carelessness, poor social habits, or not knowing what is considered polite.
Think about the story of Ebenezer Scrooge before his transformation in "A Christmas Carol." His gruffness, dismissiveness, and general lack of warmth towards others were all examples of unmannerly conduct. He didn't intentionally set out to hurt feelings (at least not always!), but he certainly lacked the social grace to avoid doing so.
Unmannerly behavior can appear in many ways: interrupting conversations, speaking loudly in quiet places, failing to say "please" and "thank you," ignoring common table manners, or acting without much thought for other people's feelings. It is often seen as a sign of poor social habits or weak social awareness.
While everyone slips up occasionally, consistently unmannerly behavior can damage relationships and leave a bad impression. It is a word that points to the importance of everyday politeness and treating others with respect. So, if someone is acting in a way that feels rude, careless, and lacking in basic courtesy, they are likely being unmannerly.
Examples
- 1
Table manners
In that family, it was considered unmannerly to start eating before everyone sat down.
- UsageIt is unmannerly to do X
doing it is seen as rude; the word often sounds formal or old-fashioned.
- 2
Rude speech
He apologized for the unmannerly way he had spoken to the receptionist.
- 3
Hospitality
The article criticized the host for making guests wait outside, calling the whole scene unmannerly.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unmannerlyadjective