unathletic

/ˌʌn.æθˈlet.ɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌn.æθˈlet̬.ɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ath-ˈle-tik nonstandard -ˌa-thə-ˈle-/ (ame, mw)

unathletic — adjective

  • unathleticpositive
  • more unathleticcomparative
  • most unathleticsuperlative

1. describes a person who lacks the physical strength, speed, or coordination that

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes a person who lacks the physical strength, speed, or coordination that sports and active games usually require — for example, someone who is often picked last for a team or who struggles with basic physical activities.

例句

Diego was always picked last for sports teams, and the other children called him unathletic.

passive: called + unathletic for social labelling

Jenna felt unathletic next to her athletic cousins, but she joined their volleyball game anyway.

同義詞
  • not sporty

    informal, especially UK English; can suggest personal preference rather than lack of ability

  • unfit

    focuses on poor physical condition rather than lack of coordination or skill

  • clumsy

    narrower meaning — suggests awkwardness with movements rather than general lack of athleticism

反義詞
  • athletic

    direct opposite — having natural strength, speed, or coordination for sports

  • sporty

    informal, especially UK English; describes someone who enjoys and is good at sports

文法句型

be + unathletic

feel/look/seem + unathletic

too + unathletic + for [activity]

用法筆記

Commonly used in social situations such as school or team sports to describe a person's general physical skill level. It often carries a mildly negative tone, so it can sound harsh when used directly about someone. The word is normally applied to people, not animals or objects.

常見錯誤

❌I had an unathletic day at the gym.
✅I felt unathletic at the gym today.
💡The word describes a person, not a day or event.
❌My dog is very unathletic.
✅My dog is not very energetic.
💡Unathletic is normally used for people, not animals.