Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not possessing qualities befitting a man: Describes a person, behavior, or characteristic that is considered contrary to traditional or stereotypical masculine traits, such as strength, courage, or stoicism.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • His emotional outburst was considered unmanlike by his stern father.
  • In that outdated culture, showing fear was seen as unmanlike.
  • The stereotype wrongly labels caring for children as unmanlike behavior.

Advanced Usage

• Sociological Context: The term is often used critically to discuss and deconstruct rigid gender norms. Its usage highlights how societal expectations define masculinity.
  • The study examined how terms like "unmanlike" enforce harmful gender stereotypes.

Variants and Related Words

• Unmanly (adj): This is a more common synonym with the same core meaning.
• Effeminate (adj): (Often pejorative) Having qualities traditionally associated with women.
• Emasculated (adj): Deprived of masculine strength or role.

Synonyms

• Unmanly
• Effeminate (context-dependent)
• Weak (in the specific context of defying masculine norms)

Antonyms

• Manly
• Virile
• Masculine

Notes on Usage

• The term unmanlike is relatively uncommon in modern English, with unmanly being the standard form.
• Its use often carries a subjective, judgmental, or dated connotation, reflecting specific cultural ideas of masculinity. It is frequently employed in analytical or historical discussions about gender roles rather than in descriptive contemporary speech.

Adjective

1. not possessing qualities befitting a man