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improper

 - 4 dictionary results

im⋅prop⋅er

  [im-prop-er]
Use improper in a Sentence
–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; < L improprius. See im- 2 , proper

Related forms:
im⋅prop⋅er⋅ly, adverb
im⋅prop⋅er⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
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 esp. of modesty: indecent behavior, literature. Unbecoming is applied to what is esp. unfitting in the person concerned: conduct unbecoming a minister. Unseemly is applied to whatever is unfitting or improper under the circumstances: unseemly mirth.

Antonyms:
1, 3. fitting, suitable. 2. proper.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To improper
im·prop·er   (ĭm-prŏp'ər)   
adj.  

  1. Not suited to circumstances or needs; unsuitable: improper shoes for a hike; improper medical treatment.

  2. Not in keeping with conventional mores; indecorous: improper behavior.

  3. Not consistent with established truth, fact, or rule; incorrect.

  4. Irregular or abnormal.

im·prop'er·ly adv., im·prop'er·ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper. Improper often refers to unethical conduct, a breach of etiquette, or morally offensive behavior: improper business practices; improper behavior at the dinner table.
Unbecoming suggests what is beneath the standard implied by one's character or position: language unbecoming to an officer.
What is unseemly or indelicate is in gross violation of good taste; indelicate especially suggests immodesty, coarseness, or tactlessness: an unseemly use of profanity; an indelicate suggestion.
Indecent refers to what is morally offensive or harmful: an earthy but not indecent story.
Indecorous implies violation of societal manners: an indecorous remark about overeating.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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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, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: im·prop·er
Function: adjective
: not proper: as a : not in accord with correct procedure improper venue> b : WRONGFUL; specifically : in violation of a constitution improper> —im·prop·er·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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