immodest

American  

[ih-mod-ist] / ɪˈmɒd ɪst /

adjective

1. not modest in conduct, utterance, etc.; indecent; shameless.

2. not modest in assertion or pretension; forward; impudent.

   Synonyms:

   inflated, exaggerated, vain

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immodest British  

/ ɪˈmɒdɪst /

adjective

1. indecent, esp with regard to sexual propriety; improper

2. bold, impudent, or shameless

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Other Word Forms

• immodestly adverb
• immodesty noun

Etymology

Origin of immodest

First recorded in 1560–70, immodest is from the Latin word immodestus unrestrained, immoderate. See im- ², modest

Explanation

If you're immodest, you tend to brag about your abilities — you're not at all humble. It would be immodest to boast about your experience making movies, especially if all you've actually done is take videos of your dog in the back yard. There are two ways to be immodest: the first is to gloat and show off, essentially being the very opposite of modest. The other way is to lack good taste and restraint. Years ago, it would have been considered immodest to wear a bikini to the beach — while today, it's only immodest if you wear one to school or a restaurant. The "arrogant" meaning came before the "improper" one, both from the Latin modestia, "moderation," and "correctness of conduct."

Example Sentences

“On a personal level, to say, ‘I want, I want, I want,’ people may feel that, but we are taught that good manners is to suppress such immodest cravings.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

The original book was published in 1995 and it has — I'm being immodest in saying — but weathered well.

From Salon • Dec. 28, 2024

In my family you were not allowed to be immodest or boastful.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2024

Iranian authorities have said that Ms Amini had been wearing immodest clothes at the time of her arrest.

From BBC • Sep. 22, 2022

Her eyes go wide, her hands flutter over her heart, as though the wound is immodest and she needs to cover it.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black