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

Farrell issued a ticket to an 18-year-old shipyard worker for speeding and an improper exhaust mechanism, according to the TP.

From The Daily Beast

And if any police were warning bars against serving the Santas, “that would be improper behavior by a government official.”

From The Daily Beast

I feel sorry because (patients) got the surgery with improper devices, so they might suffer from it.

From The Daily Beast

It could be that those downstream abnormalities in cell development were due to improper signaling from the cerebellum.

From The Daily Beast

Improper burial, Dove says, could mean that harmful bacteria are leeching into the waterways.

From The Daily Beast

Yet the business may become a nuisance when conducted in some localities, or in an improper manner.

From Project Gutenberg

Are we to abandon any one means of doing good, because the improper use of it would do injury?

From Project Gutenberg

I often heard Europeans remark that they considered the procession of the nuptial couch extremely improper.

From Project Gutenberg

This improper use of a parent's home has also occurred in other districts.

From Project Gutenberg

What was a generation ago considered improper is now generally accepted as a subject for display.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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