un-American

[ uhn-uh-mer-i-kuh n ]
/ ˌʌn əˈmɛr ɪ kən /

adjective

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.

Origin of un-American

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

OTHER WORDS FROM un-American

un-A·mer·i·can·ism, noun

Example sentences from the Web for un-american

British Dictionary definitions for un-american

un-American

adjective

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

Derived forms of un-American

un-Americanism, noun

Cultural definitions for un-american

un-American

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 for un-American

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.)