unhonorable

Unhonorable is an English adjective meaning not honorable; it implies a lack of integrity, ethics, or public esteem. In contemporary usage the term is rare and typically replaced by dishonorable or dishonourable. It may appear in historical, literary, or rhetorical contexts to emphasize moral failing beyond mere social disapproval.

Etymology and forms: The word is formed with the prefix un- attached to honorable. The base adjective honorable derives from Latin honorem via Old French honur. In modern English, the common negative forms are dishonorable (American spelling) or dishonourable (British spelling). The negative with un- is far less frequent and can sound archaic or stylistic rather than standard.

Usage notes: Because unhonorable is uncommon, writers often reserve it for stylistic effect, especially in older texts, pseudo-archaic registers, or formal rhetoric. In most modern prose, dishonorable or dishonourable is preferred. It can describe acts, conduct, or characters deemed to lack honor, as in phrases such as “an unhonorable deed” or “unhonorable behavior,” where the emphasis is on moral reproach rather than social status alone.

See also: honor, dishonor, honorable, dishonorable, honourable.