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unseemliness

 - 3 dictionary results

un⋅seem⋅ly

[uhn-seem-lee] adjective, -li⋅er, -li⋅est, adverb
–adjective
1. not seemly; not in keeping with established standards of taste or proper form; unbecoming or indecorous in appearance, speech, conduct, etc.: an unseemly act; unseemly behavior.
2. inappropriate for time or place: an unseemly hour.
–adverb
3. in an unseemly manner.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME; see un- 1 , seemly


un⋅seem⋅li⋅ness, noun


1. unbefitting, inappropriate. See improper.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To unseemliness
un·seem·ly   (ŭn-sēm'lē)   
adj.   un·seem·li·er, un·seem·li·est
  1. Not in accord with accepted standards of good taste; grossly improper. See Synonyms at improper.

  2. Not suited to the circumstances; inappropriate.

adv.  In an improper or inappropriate manner.
un·seem'li·ness n.
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

unseemly 
1310, "unfitting, indecent," from un- (1) "not" + seemly. Cf. O.N. usoemiligr.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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