unkingly

1 9.9

In a way that is not fit for a king

adverb
/ʌnˈkɪŋli/

Literature

: indigno

It was most unkingly for someone of his stature to argue with the servants.

Examples

His behavior at the banquet was quite unkingly, lacking the grace expected of a monarch.
It was most unkingly.

Fiction book (1993)
It seems so unkingly when he refuses to act with dignity.

Synonyms

inelegantly

vsunkingly

1 5.5

In a clumsy way that is not graceful

concerns absence of noble dignity rather than merely missing elegance

ungraciously

vsunkingly

1 7.1

In a rude or unfriendly way

highlights lack of regal dignity rather than simple social rudeness

unworthily

vsunkingly

1 7.7

In a way that does not deserve respect or trust

focuses on being unsuitable for royalty rather than just lacking merit

ignobly

vsunkingly

Literature

1 8.6

In a way that is not noble or honorable

is about being unsuitable for royalty rather than outright moral baseness

ungracefully

vsunkingly

1 4.8

In an awkward, clumsy way that is not smooth

speaks to lack of royal dignity rather than simply physical awkwardness

unbecomingly

vsunkingly

Formal

1 8.1

In a way that is not proper or suitable for the situation

refers specifically to lacking royal appropriateness rather than general impropriety

indecorously

vsunkingly

Formal

1 8.7

In a way that shows bad manners

emphasizes unsuitability for royal bearing rather than minor social breach

uncouthly

vsunkingly

1 8.8

In a rude, awkward way that shows little politeness

focuses on absence of noble dignity rather than mere roughness

ungallantly

vsunkingly

1 9.1

In a way that is not polite or helpful to others

is about failing to meet royal dignity expectations rather than lacking bravery

unchivalrously

vsunkingly

9.3

Acts rudely toward women, showing no polite or brave behavior

focuses on being unsuitable for royal dignity rather than only lacking knightly manners

unartfully

vsunkingly

8.7

In a clumsy way that shows poor skill

focuses on absence of noble dignity rather than poor artistic skill or craft

Antonyms

nobly

6 5.3

In a way that shows courage and good character

Surface Forms

unkingly positive

Morphology

unkingly = kingly (transparent) = un + king + ly

The adverb is formed by adding the productive negative prefix 'un-' to the adjective 'kingly' (royal), yielding 'not kingly' in a straightforward way.

Etymology

Unkingly is made from un- 'not', king 'a ruler', and the adverb -ly, as in the word 'quickly'. So unkingly literally means 'not king-like' and is used for behaviour that is not dignified or fit for a king.