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.

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.)

Other Word Forms

• un-Americanism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of un-American¹

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

“Targeting people solely based on the color of their skin is unacceptable and un-American.”

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“This is unacceptable and frankly, un-American. California will not sit idly as its workers are systematically denied the right to organize.”

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He said Carr’s tactics were “un-American” and likened them to what happens in authoritarian countries such as Russia.

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He also continued to promote free speech, saying the government attempts to stifle voices such as his as “un-American” and “so dangerous.”

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That’s why all of us, whether we approve of what Kimmel said, should rally to his defense and let his employers know that they have made a serious, and un-American, mistake.

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