improper

adjective

im·​prop·​er (ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər How to pronounce improper (audio)
: not proper: such as
a
: not in accord with propriety, modesty, good manners, or good taste
improper language
b
: not suited to the circumstances, design, or end
improper medicine
c
: not regularly or normally formed or not properly so called
d
: not in accord with fact, truth, or right procedure : incorrect
improper inference
improperly adverb
improperness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of improper in a Sentence

The doctor gave him an improper diagnosis. They claim to have evidence of improper police conduct. improper use of public land This is an improper diet for a growing teenager. It would be improper for me to ask such a favor of her. He made some improper remarks.
Recent Examples on the Web The two Republicans on the commission fiercely objected to the new requirements on corporations, laying the ground work for legal challenges in blistering dissents that warned the mandate is an improper attempt by the SEC to force companies to adhere to a liberal climate agenda. Maxine Joselow, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Alonzo Wyatt is charged with six counts of improper contact by a school employee and one count of criminal attempt, Villa Rica police said in a March 4 news release. Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 America’s life expectancy is falling annually–and improper or inadequate nutrition is a major cause. Julie Chapon, Fortune Europe, 5 Mar. 2024 The rear seat covers may prevent the proper deployment of the seat air bag, potentially resulting in delayed or improper deployment of airbag during a crash, and increasing the risk of rear seat occupant injury, the company told NHTSA. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 The state's case has been rocked by allegations that the prosecutor in the case, Fulton County district attorney Fanni Willis, had an improper affair with another prosecutor involved in Trump's prosecution, which the defense has argued should require Willis’ dismissal. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 29 Feb. 2024 The suit, filed in state court in New York, also alleges that Bravo and the additional production arms of the network were aware of Glanville’s past improper conduct but hired her anyway to juice the ratings on their new reality series. Meredith Woerner, Variety, 22 Feb. 2024 Roman alleged that Willis had an improper relationship with Wade, paid him more than $650,000 for his work for the D.A.'s office and then benefited financially from the relationship when Wade allegedly took her on cruises and trips. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2024 Inspectors observed beer cheese and sauteed onions at improper holding temperatures. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'improper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius, from in- + proprius proper

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of improper was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near improper

Cite this Entry

“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improper. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

improper

adjective
im·​prop·​er (ˈ)im-ˈpräp-ər How to pronounce improper (audio)
: not proper, right, or suitable
improperly adverb

Legal Definition

improper

adjective
im·​prop·​er
: not proper: as
a
: not in accord with correct procedure
an improper venue
b
: wrongful
specifically : in violation of a constitution
the denial of trial by jury was held improper
improperly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on improper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!