What does unpatriotically mean?
Unpatriotically is an adverb meaning in a way that betrays one's country or is considered hostile to the national interest. It is used especially in political, legal, and historical discussion to characterize conduct that appears disloyal, harmful, or contrary to the welfare of the nation. The word carries a strong negative judgment and is stronger and more politically charged than a neutral expression such as disloyally. For example, one might describe disclosing sensitive information to another government as acting unpatriotically, particularly when the disclosure is judged to endanger national security. Its related adjective is unpatriotic, as in an unpatriotic decision. Although the prefix un- sharply reverses the positive sense of patriotic, the term generally implies more than simple disagreement with government policy: it suggests conduct that can be characterized as a betrayal of national allegiance. The word is therefore especially useful when discussing acts that a speaker or writer considers disloyal to a country.
adverbIn a way that is disloyal to one's country or is regarded as hostile to the national interest.
- In a manner that betrays one's country or is considered hostile to its national interests.
"The officials were accused of acting unpatriotically by disclosing sensitive information to a foreign government."
"She condemned the decision as an unpatriotically attempt to weaken the country's defenses."
"The witness testified that the officers had behaved unpatriotically during the crisis."
One small prefix can turn a civic virtue into a serious accusation: calling conduct unpatriotically implies betrayal, not merely lack of enthusiasm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unpatriotically come from?
English formed unpatriotic by adding the negative prefix un- to patriotic, and unpatriotically was then created with the adverbial suffix -ly. Patriotic derives from patriot, which entered English through French from Latin and ultimately Greek terms associated with a fellow countryman and one's fatherland. Related English words include patriot, patriotic, patriotism, and unpatriotic, while cognate forms exist in other European languages.
Related word forms
How unpatriotically is actually used
The word is formal and strongly evaluative. It is especially common in political, legal, and historical commentary, where it implies conduct that may be regarded as treasonable or contrary to the national interest.
Easily confused with unpatriotically
Patriotic describes conduct or sentiment considered loyal to one's country, whereas unpatriotically describes conduct considered disloyal or harmful to the national interest.