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

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

A Sonoma County Superior Court judge was issued a public admonishment Wednesday after he engaged in improper political activity and social media conduct connected to a proposed high school name change, a judicial conduct commission said.

From Los Angeles Times

The article and the judge’s quote were referenced by the judicial panel in the admonishment as improper.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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