un-American

[ uhn-uh-mer-i-kuhn ]

adjective

1. not American; not characteristic of or proper to the U.S.; foreign or opposed to the characters, values, standards, goals, etc., of the U.S.

un-American

adjective

1. not in accordance with the aims, ideals, customs, etc, of the US
2. against the interests of the US

un-American

1. A term used, primarily by extreme conservatives , to attack principles or practices considered to be at odds with the values of most Americans. Many object to the use of the term on the grounds that it is vague, shortsighted, and intolerant.

Notes

The House of Representatives maintained a Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) for several years. It was especially known for investigation of alleged communists . ( See Alger Hiss .)

Derived Forms

• ˌun-Aˈmericanˌism, noun

Other Words From

• un-A·meri·can·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of un-American¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

Fortunately, these un-American arguments are destined to fail with the American public as the issue ripens.

From The Daily Beast

It seems almost un-American to double down on the Clinton and Bush dynasties that ran the country for a generation.

From The Daily Beast

At risk of appearing un-American by not bashing everything Russian, know this: No Olympics are perfect.

From The Daily Beast

And any lover of “Seinfeld” would regard banning the “Soup Nazi” episode as scandalously un-American.

From The Daily Beast

He would go on to name names before the House Un-American Activities Committee as a friendly witness.

From The Daily Beast

Then came that un-American sight, a wall of protection built around a city.

From Project Gutenberg

She thought Leila must have been born in Ireland, for she was at times utterly un-American in her manner of speaking.

From Project Gutenberg

The new United States postage stamps have a very un-American look.

From Project Gutenberg

Upon all hands the doctrine is condemned as an un-American appeal to passion and a wicked exaggeration of social conditions.

From Project Gutenberg

It is an extortion and a waste, besides being the only un-American factor in the whole harvester business.

From Project Gutenberg