Meaning & use
unceremoniously
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Meanings
adverbnot comparable
In a sudden, rude way, with none of the usual politeness or care.
Grammar: Usually describes an action done to someone: unceremoniously dumped.
Patterns
- be unceremoniously dumped
- unceremoniously + verb
He was unceremoniously escorted out of the building.
The manager was unceremoniously fired after the merger.
The cat was unceremoniously dumped off the sofa.
adverbnot comparableformal
Without formal ceremony or show, in a simple and informal way.
Grammar: A more neutral use: done without fuss.
Patterns
- unceremoniously + verb
The old flag was unceremoniously folded and put away.
The records were unceremoniously moved to the basement.
The winner was unceremoniously handed a small envelope.
Common combinations
- unceremoniously dumped
- She was unceremoniously dumped by text message.
- unceremoniously fired
- The coach was unceremoniously fired mid-season.
- unceremoniously thrown out
- The heckler was unceremoniously thrown out.
- unceremoniously dropped
- The old proposal was unceremoniously dropped.
- unceremoniously ejected
- The guests were unceremoniously ejected from the party.
Synonyms and how they differ
- abruptly
- Abruptly stresses suddenness only, while unceremoniously also suggests a lack of respect.
- brusquely
- Brusquely describes curt speech or manner, whereas unceremoniously describes how someone is treated.
- summarily
- Summarily suggests quick action without the usual process, often by authority, so it is more official.
- rudely
- Rudely directly points to bad manners, while unceremoniously also stresses the lack of ritual or dignity.
Opposites
Word family
- ceremony noun
- a formal event with traditional actions
- ceremonious adjective
- very formal and polite
- ceremoniously adverb
- in a formal and dignified way
- unceremonious adjective
- abrupt, rude or without ceremony
Practice
The minister was ______ removed from his post without any thanks or farewell.
Choose one answer.
Unceremoniously means abruptly and without courtesy, which fits removal with no thanks. Ceremoniously is the opposite, with formality and dignity.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “unceremoniously”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.