improper

[ im-prop-er ]

adjective

1. not proper; not strictly belonging, applicable, correct, etc.; erroneous:

   He drew improper conclusions from the scant evidence.

   Synonyms: unsuited, unfit, inapplicable

   Antonyms: suitable, fitting

2. not in accordance with propriety of behavior, manners, etc.:

   improper conduct at a funeral.

   Synonyms: unsuited, indecorous, unfit, inapplicable

   Antonyms: proper

3. unsuitable or inappropriate, as for the purpose or occasion:

   improper attire for a formal dance.

   Synonyms: unsuited, unfit, inapplicable

   Antonyms: suitable, fitting

4. abnormal or irregular:

   improper functioning of the speech mechanism.

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

3. irregular or abnormal

Derived Forms

• imˈproperness, noun
• imˈproperly, adverb

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of improper¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

She said nothing “harassing or improper” had occurred, and all three jurors volunteered their cellphone numbers when contacted.

From Los Angeles Times

Three staffing firms, for example, are under investigation by the Illinois Labor Department for concerns related to improper training at Ferrara Candy, the maker of SweeTarts and Jelly Belly jelly beans.

From New York Times

Fletcher is alleged to have acted in an "improper and/or confrontational manner" and used "abusive and/or insulting words" towards the match officials during the club's Premier League win over Brentford on 19 October.

From BBC

Judge Gordon-Saker ruled that while there was a "failure to be transparent", it was not "sufficiently unreasonable or improper" to constitute misconduct.

From BBC

The lawyers said Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville held an "improper" meeting on 10 June when he met privately with prosecutors and a key witness.

From BBC

Related Words

• awkward
• erroneous
• false
• ill-advised
• imprudent
• inaccurate
• inadmissible
• inappropriate
• incorrect
• irregular
• unwarranted
• wrong

More About Improper

What does improper mean?

Improper describes something considered unsuitable or inappropriate for the purpose or occasion, as in A ballgown is improper dress for playing basketball.

Improper also describes something that isn’t appropriate for a specific scenario or circumstance, as in Shouting out the answers during a silent test is generally considered improper.

Improper can also describe something that is not correct, such as with an inaccurate conclusion or faulty language usage.

Finally, improper can be used to describe something as abnormal or irregular, particularly in reference to how something mechanical operates.

Example: We knew the test readouts were improper because the results were physically impossible.

Where does improper come from?

The first records of the term improper come from around 1530. It ultimately comes from the Latin improprius.

Proper and improper are often used to describe public behaviors, manners, dress, language, and more, judging them against an ideal, which is sometimes unrealistic in an effort to keep people from obtaining it. One example of this is setting as proper a hairstyle that is impossible for some people. Any deviation from this hairstyle would be considered improper.

In the past, the term proper was often associated with people of upper-class society with “good” character or that lived “respectable” lifestyles. Improper by extension was used to describe people who did not live high society lifestyles, and was often used as an insult to describe people who received a lower income. Improper is still used in this way in certain cases, such as fine dining, special event planning, and dress.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to improper?

• improperly (adverb)
• improperness (noun)

What are some synonyms for improper?

• awkward
• ill-advised
• incorrect
• irregular
• unwarranted

What are some words that share a root or word element with improper?

• proper
• improper fraction
• improper integral

What are some words that often get used in discussing improper?

• behavior
• understanding
• usage

How is improper used in real life?

Generally, something that is improper is abnormal or irregular compared to what is expected in a given situation.

Just remind me again why 8 and 9 year olds have to be able to turn an improper fraction into a mixed number?!?!

— Dick and Dom (@dickndom) May 4, 2020

Yes, I will happily point out improper usage when someone is trying to question my intelligence. Because of the irony.

— J.A. Adande (@jadande) May 18, 2016

I realize that last tweet contained improper grammar. Its 2 am. Or, it's 2 A.M…. you guys it's late.

— Jeremy Jordan (@JeremyMJordan) May 4, 2016

 

 

Try using improper!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for improper?

A. irregular
B. inappropriate
C. incorrect
D. acceptable