Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not having or showing qualities traditionally considered appropriate or desirable for a woman; not womanly. This describes behavior, characteristics, or appearance that deviate from societal expectations of femininity.

Usage

The adjective "unwomanly" is used to describe actions, traits, or appearances that are perceived as contrary to traditional feminine norms. It is often used in a critical or disapproving context, though it can also be used neutrally to describe a simple deviation from a stereotype. It typically modifies nouns like behavior, strength, assertiveness, or a person.

Examples

• Her logical clearness of argument was condemned as eccentric and unwomanly.
• In that era, a woman pursuing a career in law was seen as unwomanly.
• She displayed an unwomanly physical strength that surprised everyone.

Advanced Usage

• Sociological/Critical Usage: In modern discourse, the term is often analyzed critically to question and deconstruct traditional gender roles. What one society labels "unwomanly" may be considered normal in another.
  • The novel challenges the idea that ambition is unwomanly.

Variants and Related Words

• Unwomanliness (noun): The state or quality of being unwomanly.
  • Her unwomanliness was a topic of gossip among the townsfolk.

Synonyms

• Unladylike: Not behaving in a way considered proper for a lady. (Often overlaps but can imply a breach of etiquette more than core gender identity.)
• Masculine: Having qualities traditionally associated with men.
• Unfeminine: Lacking qualities traditionally considered feminine.

Antonyms

• Womanly: Having or showing qualities traditionally associated with women.
• Feminine: Having qualities or an appearance traditionally associated with women.
• Ladylike: Appropriate for or typical of a well-mannered woman.

Adjective

1. not womanly
   • the logical clearness of her arguments...condemned her as eccentric and unwomanly