impropriety

[ im-pruh-prahy-i-tee ]

noun

, plural im·pro·pri·e·ties

1. the quality or condition of being improper; incorrectness.
2. inappropriateness; unsuitableness.
3. unseemliness; indecorousness.
4. an erroneous or unsuitable expression, act, etc.
5. an improper use of a word or phrase.

impropriety

/ ˌɪmprəˈpraɪɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of propriety; indecency; indecorum
2. an improper act or use
3. the state of being improper

Word History and Origins

Origin of impropriety¹

From the Late Latin word improprietās, dating back to 1605–15. See im- ², propriety

Example Sentences

Towards the end of his political career, a series of embarrassments - including an affair and allegations of ministerial impropriety - threatened to tarnish his salt-of-the-earth image.

From BBC

But Gaetz also has been dogged by allegations of impropriety in recent years.

From BBC

On Monday, Bishop Brennan said a larger review under the investigation detected other instances of administrative impropriety, including Mr Gigantiello using a credit card for personal expenses.

From BBC

In 2023, a separate corruption probe into the real estate dealings of two other ministers eventually cleared them of impropriety, while the speaker of Parliament resigned because of an extramarital affair with another lawmaker.

From BBC

His wife, Jane, said Mr Cole did not want to say anything, adding that they knew nothing about the allegations of sexual impropriety against Al Fayed.

From BBC

Related Words

• indecency