Unroyal

The adjective 'unroyal' describes something that is not characteristic of, or does not befit, a monarch or member of a royal family. It implies a lack of regal qualities, such as dignity, elegance, wealth, power, or appropriate behavior. This can extend to a lack of decorum, status, or lineage, thus implying something common, plebeian, or illegitimate within a royal context. Often used to criticize behavior or circumstances seen as beneath the standards expected of royalty.

Unroyal meaning with examples

• The prince's outburst at the charity event was considered deeply unroyal. His boorish behavior and inappropriate language shocked guests and damaged his reputation. Many felt his actions were a betrayal of the royal family's legacy and values of composure and decorum. The press had a field day with the embarrassing scandal.
• The crumbling castle, filled with outdated furniture and exposed damp, presented an unroyal appearance. The stark contrast between the decaying estate and the opulence the royal family typically enjoyed was jarring. The lack of upkeep, poor sanitation, and general atmosphere did not befit the status and lineage associated with the crown.
• His choice of casual attire, including jeans and a t-shirt, at the state dinner felt strikingly unroyal, especially amongst the formal gowns and diplomatic suits. This breach of etiquette generated headlines and speculation about his intentions, with questions arising on whether he would uphold his royal status, or reject it.
• The princess's decision to take a job at a local bakery, rather than pursue her royal duties, was widely seen as an unroyal deviation from tradition. It was interpreted as a deliberate rejection of royal expectations, leading to both admiration for her independence and criticism for her perceived lack of responsibility.
• The impoverished circumstances of the exiled king, forced to live on meager funds, presented an unroyal spectacle to the public, whose perceptions were that royalty possessed boundless riches. This dire reality contradicted the established expectations and portrayed him as a shadow of his former glory.