improper

[ im-prop-er ]
See synonyms for: improperimproperlyimproperness on Thesaurus.com

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.

  1. unsuitable or inappropriate, as for the purpose or occasion: improper attire for a formal dance.

  2. abnormal or irregular: improper functioning of the speech mechanism.

Origin of improper

1
From the Latin word improprius, dating back to 1535–45. See im-2, proper

synonym study For improper

2. 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.

Other words for improper

Opposites for improper

Other words from improper

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use improper in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for improper

improper

/ (ɪmˈprɒpə) /


adjective
  1. lacking propriety; not seemly or fitting

  2. unsuitable for a certain use or occasion; inappropriate: an improper use for a tool

  1. irregular or abnormal

Derived forms of improper

  • improperly, adverb
  • improperness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012