impropriety
Americannoun
plural
improprieties-
the quality or condition of being improper; incorrectness.
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inappropriateness; unsuitableness.
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unseemliness; indecorousness.
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an erroneous or unsuitable expression, act, etc.
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an improper use of a word or phrase.
noun
-
lack of propriety; indecency; indecorum
-
an improper act or use
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the state of being improper
Etymology
Origin of impropriety
From the Late Latin word improprietās, dating back to 1605–15. See im- 2, propriety
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Whether in interviews or the context of her films, Fennell doesn’t shy from the fact that she enjoys themes that flirt with impropriety or visuals that push the limits.
From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026
However, Jackson's later years would be punctuated by scandal, including revelations of marital infidelity and financial impropriety involving his son and political heir, Jesse Jackson Jr, who served as a congressman from Illinois.
From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026
James Washington, who recently was the head of UCLA’s NIL collective, denies any impropriety tied to funds being funneled through a nonprofit he runs.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025
But the appearance of impropriety is bad enough—and the temptation to act on insider information is just too high to continue allowing the status quo.
From Slate • Nov. 7, 2025
“And I’m not just talking about the impropriety with Russell.”
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
