unmasculine

A man feels his unmasculine emotions are a sign of weakness.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking qualities traditionally associated with masculinity: "unmasculine" describes someone or something that does not possess the physical, behavioral, or emotional traits typically considered characteristic of men, such as strength, assertiveness, or stoicism. It often carries a negative or pejorative connotation, implying weakness, effeminacy, or inadequacy in a male context.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • His unmasculine behavior, such as crying openly, was mocked by his peers. (His actions were seen as lacking traditional male strength or emotional control.)
  • The outfit was considered unmasculine by conservative standards. (The clothing was judged as not fitting typical male gender norms.)
  • She found his gentle, unmasculine demeanor refreshing. (His softness was perceived as a departure from stereotypical male traits.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be unmasculine in manner": to behave in a way that contradicts societal expectations of masculinity.

  • He was often described as unmasculine in manner because of his soft voice and delicate gestures. (His style of communication and movement was seen as effeminate.)

• "unmasculine physique": a body that does not conform to the muscular or robust ideal of male appearance.

  • The actor’s unmasculine physique was a deliberate choice for his role as a vulnerable character. (His slender or non-muscular build was used to convey fragility.)

Variants and Related Words

• Masculine (adj): having qualities traditionally associated with men.
  • He has a very masculine voice. (His voice is deep and strong, typical of male traits.)
• Masculinity (n): the quality or state of being masculine.
  • Society often pressures men to prove their masculinity. (They are expected to show traditional male characteristics.)
• Unmasculinely (adv): in an unmasculine manner.
  • He spoke unmasculinely, with a high-pitched tone. (His speech lacked typical male vocal qualities.)

Synonyms

• Effeminate: having characteristics or mannerisms traditionally associated with women, often used negatively for men.
  • His effeminate gestures were seen as unmasculine. (His movements were considered womanly.)
• Unmanly: not having the qualities expected of a man; cowardly or weak.
  • Crying is often wrongly labeled as unmanly. (It is considered a sign of weakness in men.)
• Sissified: made to be like a sissy; weak or timid.
  • The older boys called him sissified for not wanting to fight. (They mocked him for being unmasculine.)

Related Idioms

• Not a man's man: someone who does not fit the typical male stereotype of being tough or rugged.
  • He is not a man's man; he prefers poetry to sports. (He lacks conventional masculine interests.)
• Wear the pants in the family (antonym): to be the dominant or assertive one in a relationship, typically associated with masculinity.
  • In their marriage, she wears the pants, which makes him seem unmasculine by traditional standards. (She takes the lead, challenging his male role.)