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
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First Known Use of UNSEEMLY

14th century

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>.

Rhymes with UNSEEMLY

2unseemly

adverb

Definition of UNSEEMLY

:  in an unseemly manner

First Known Use of UNSEEMLY

14th century
UNSEEMLY 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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