What does unchivalrous mean?
Unchivalrous means lacking the qualities traditionally associated with chivalry: courtesy, respect, generosity, honor, and a regard for proper obligations. The word is especially used to criticize behavior that is deliberately rude, disloyal, or unfair, as in “unchivalrous conduct” or “unchivalrous treatment.” Although it can describe an action, it often conveys a broader moral judgment, suggesting that the person involved has betrayed an expectation of courtesy or integrity. The word is formal and literary rather than casual, and it is more pointed than a general description such as “uncourteous.” Its historical connection with knights and chivalric ideals gives it a distinctive tone: it invokes an idealized model of honorable conduct and highlights the contrast between that model and actual behavior. For that reason, unchivalrous is especially effective when describing conduct that falls conspicuously short of respect or good faith.
adjectiveNot chivalrous; lacking the courtesy, respect, generosity, or honorable conduct associated with chivalry.
- Lacking courtesy, respect, generosity, or honorable behavior; rude or contrary to the ideals of chivalry.
"His unchivalrous treatment of the defeated opponent was widely condemned."
"The captain was accused of unchivalrous conduct after challenging a former friend to a duel."
"Her unchivalrous decision to reveal the private information was difficult to excuse."
What was once the code of the knight can be turned into a criticism of modern conduct with a single small prefix.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How unchivalrous is actually used
This is a formal and somewhat literary word. It carries a strongly negative moral judgment and is commonly used for conduct, behavior, treatment, or attitudes that seem deliberately disrespectful, disloyal, or contrary to accepted standards of honor.
Easily confused with unchivalrous
Unchivalrous is the usual adjective for behavior that is rude or contrary to the ideals of chivalry, whereas unchivalric more directly means not belonging to or characteristic of chivalry.