Unexemplary

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Not serving as a model or example to be followed
2. lacking commendable qualities or characteristics that others might emulate
3. demonstrating behaviors or attributes that are not worthy of imitation or praise

Etymology: "Unexemplary" is a plain formation: the prefix "un-", meaning "not", attached to "exemplary". The base word, "exemplary," comes from Latin "exemplaris," meaning "serving as a copy or model," from "exemplum," an example or pattern. That root also gives English "example" and "sample," so "exemplary" originally described something worthy of being copied, and "unexemplary" reverses that sense: a person or conduct that offers no model worth following. The prefix does the work here. English has long attached "un-" to adjectives to negate them, and "unexemplary" is one of many such pairings that express the absence of a quality rather than its opposite. Its meaning sits close to "unworthy" or "undistinguished," though it specifically points to a failure to set a good example.

Synonyms: unnoteworthy, inferior, subpar, mediocre, poor

Antonyms: exemplary, commendable, noteworthy, admirable, excellent