Unfatherlike

Describing behavior, attitudes, or characteristics that are considered inconsistent with or antithetical to those typically associated with a good father; lacking qualities of fatherliness such as care, responsibility, guidance, protection, and nurturing. This term implies a failure to meet the expected standards of parental care, potentially encompassing neglect, abuse, emotional distance, or irresponsible conduct. The word suggests a deviation from the perceived ideal of a father figure, emphasizing a deficiency in qualities generally viewed as essential for positive fatherhood, and often implies a sense of disappointment or disapproval. It can reflect actions, a lack of emotional availability, or an overall failure to provide a positive and supportive environment for offspring. Ultimately, unfatherlike behavior undermines the foundational role a father plays in a child's development.

Unfatherlike meaning with examples

• His constant absences and lack of interest in his children's lives made his behavior undeniably unfatherlike. He prioritized his own pleasure over their needs, leaving a void in their emotional development. The children often felt abandoned. They desperately craved his attention, but his actions were a persistent reminder of his unreliability and complete disregard for his fatherly responsibilities.
• The court proceedings highlighted his unfatherlike handling of the family finances, demonstrating reckless spending and a complete failure to provide for his children's basic necessities. His actions caused severe financial hardship for the mother. His selfish disregard for the well-being of his children, made him an unsuitable parental figure.
• Despite the promises, his volatile temper and frequent outbursts were deeply unfatherlike; his actions instilled fear instead of security in his children. They never knew what to expect, his unpredictable nature made their lives unstable. He was unwilling to change his behavior which created a stressful home environment for his children.
• The novel explores the emotionally distant character who, through his constant criticism, exhibited deeply unfatherlike actions, making it difficult for his son to feel loved and respected. He was incapable of providing emotional support or offering words of encouragement. He was simply unable to connect with his son on any level.