im·prop·er

[im-prop-er]
adjective
1.
not proper; not strictly belonging, applicable, correct, etc.; erroneous: He drew improper conclusions from the scant evidence.
2.
not in accordance with propriety of behavior, manners, etc.: improper conduct at a funeral.
3.
unsuitable or inappropriate, as for the purpose or occasion: improper attire for a formal dance.
4.
abnormal or irregular: improper functioning of the speech mechanism.

Origin:
1535–45; < Latin improprius. See im-2, proper

im·prop·er·ly, adverb
im·prop·er·ness, noun


1–3. inapplicable, unsuited, unfit. 2. indecorous. Improper, indecent, unbecoming, unseemly are applied to that which is unfitting or not in accordance with propriety. Improper has a wide range, being applied to whatever is not suitable or fitting, and often specifically to what does not conform to the standards of conventional morality: improper diet; improper behavior in church; improper language. Indecent a strong word, is applied to what is offensively contrary to standards of propriety and especially of modesty: indecent behavior, literature. Unbecoming is applied to what is especially unfitting in the person concerned: conduct unbecoming a minister. Unseemly is applied to whatever is unfitting or improper under the circumstances: unseemly mirth.


1, 3. fitting, suitable. 2. proper.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Improper is always a great word to know.
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a screen or mat covered with a dark material for shielding a camera lens from excess light or glare.
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
Collins
World English Dictionary
improper (ɪmˈprɒpə) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
adj
1.  lacking propriety; not seemly or fitting
2.  unsuitable for a certain use or occasion; inappropriate: an improper use for a tool
3.  irregular or abnormal
 
im'properly
 
adv
 
im'properness
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

improper
1531 (implied in improperly) "not true," from Fr. impropre (14c.), from L. improprius, from in "not" + proprius (see proper). Meaning "not suited, unfit" is from 1570; that of "not in accordance with good manners, modesty, decency" is from 1739.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Other factors include increased body weight and improper footwear.
It's not an easy task and many a hunter has spoiled the meat by a badly placed
  shot or improper gutting.
Other governments may use them-and traders may think twice about their ability
  to get away with improper dealing.
She says the rest is a result of improper or bad accounting methods.
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