Dictionary
1unseemly
adjective un·seem·ly \-ˈsēm-lē\
: not proper or appropriate for the situation : not seemly
Full Definition of UNSEEMLY
: not seemly: as a : not according with established standards of good form or taste <unseemly bickering> b : not suitable for time or place : inappropriate, unseasonable
— un·seem·li·ness \-lē-nəs\ noun
See unseemly defined for English-language learners
See unseemly defined for kids
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First Known Use of UNSEEMLY
14th century
Related to UNSEEMLY
- Synonyms
- amiss, graceless, improper, inapposite, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, malapropos, perverse, unapt, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, inappropriate, unsuitable, untoward, wrong
Synonym Discussion of UNSEEMLY
indecorous, improper, unseemly, unbecoming, indelicate mean not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste. indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners <indecorous behavior>. improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method <improper use of campaign contributions>. unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste <remarried with unseemly haste>. unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status <conduct unbecoming to an officer>. indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling <indelicate expressions for bodily functions>.
2unseemly
adverb
Definition of UNSEEMLY
: in an unseemly manner
First Known Use of UNSEEMLY
14th century
UNSEEMLINESS Defined for Kids
unseemly
adjective un·seem·ly \ˌən-ˈsēm-lē\
un·seem·li·erun·seem·li·est
Definition of UNSEEMLY for Kids
: not polite or proper <unseemly behavior>
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