First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
improper
adjective im·prop·er \(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər\
: not correct
: not following rules of acceptable behavior : legally or morally wrong
: not suitable for the situation : not appropriate
Full Definition of IMPROPER
: not proper: as a : not in accord with fact, truth, or right procedure : incorrect <improper inference> b : not regularly or normally formed or not properly so called c : not suited to the circumstances, design, or end <improper medicine> d : not in accord with propriety, modesty, good manners, or good taste <improper language>
— im·prop·er·ly adverb
— im·prop·er·ness noun
See improper defined for English-language learners
See improper defined for kids
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Origin of IMPROPER
Middle English, from Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius, from in- + proprius proper
Related to IMPROPER
- Synonyms
- amiss, graceless, inappropriate, inapposite, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, malapropos, perverse, unapt, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, untoward, wrong
Synonym Discussion of IMPROPER
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 IMPROPER
IMPROPERLY Defined for Kids
improper
adjective im·prop·er \im-ˈprä-pər\
Definition of IMPROPER for Kids
: not proper, right, or suitable <He used improper grammar.>
— im·prop·er·ly adverb
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Next Word in the Dictionary: improper diphthongPrevious Word in the Dictionary: impromptu All Words Near: improper
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