unbecoming

[ uhn-bi-kuhm-ing ]

adjective

1. detracting from one's appearance, character, or reputation; unattractive or unseemly:

   an unbecoming hat; unbecoming language.

   Synonyms: unfit, unsuitable, unapt

unbecoming

/ ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ /

adjective

1. unsuitable or inappropriate, esp through being unattractive

   an unbecoming hat

2. whenpostpositive, usually foll by of or an object not proper or seemly (for)

   manners unbecoming a lady

Derived Forms

• ˌunbeˈcomingly, adverb
• ˌunbeˈcomingness, noun

Other Words From

• unbe·coming·ly adverb
• unbe·coming·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unbecoming¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ¹ + becoming

Synonym Study

See improper.

Example Sentences

A faculty committee deemed his use of the Fifth Amendment “conduct unbecoming an institute professor” and said it showed a lack of candor on his part.

From MIT Technology Review

Fits of rage may be more common during the holidays, but they are no less unbecoming.

From The Daily Beast

Pounding is charged with one count each of assault, adultery, and conduct unbecoming an officer.

From The Daily Beast

To them, Her Imperial Majesty and Queen Empress was behaving in a manner unbecoming.

From The Daily Beast

Chasing after mere favorability and openness is an unbecoming act of desperation.

From The Daily Beast

Eventually though, Wiles was suspended for "conduct unbecoming to a Promoter of the Miss Gay America pageant system."

From The Daily Beast

Swearing, as I have said, was not considered low or vulgar or unbecoming a gentleman.

From Project Gutenberg

To come in, flushed from a hurried toilette, to meet your first callers, is unbecoming as well as rude.

From Project Gutenberg

Choosing to die nobly rather than to fall into the hands of the wicked, and to suffer abuses unbecoming his noble birth.

From Project Gutenberg

It is full of crazy ideas that are most unbecoming in a young girl, and I dont consider such things proper for you to read.

From Project Gutenberg

Yes, I knowconduct unbecoming an officer and a gentlemana plain case, too, it seems to me.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• indecent
• unflattering
• unseemly
• untoward