improper
ihm-PROP-uh
Improper (adj) means not suitable, appropriate, or correct for the situation. Example: “It would be improper to discuss the case with the press.”
adj
1
Not suitable, appropriate, or correct for the situation.
"It would be improper to discuss the case with the press."
"Wearing trainers to the formal dinner felt improper."
"Using the wrong form was improper, so the clerk sent it back."
2
Not in keeping with accepted standards of behaviour; indecent.
"The comedian's jokes were considered improper for a family show."
"The vicar blushed at the improper song the children had learned."
"Her grandmother thought very short skirts were improper in church."
How to use improper
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot right for the situation, whether that means unsuitable, incorrect, or indecent.
Common pairings
improper conduct
improper use
grossly improper
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- impropers
- Past tense
- impropered
- Comparative
- more improper
- Superlative
- most improper
Fill the gap
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It would be _____ to discuss the case with the press.
Etymology
From Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius, from in- + proprius ("proper, one's own").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for improper
See all rhymes for improper →Frequently asked questions
What does “improper” mean?
The word “improper” means not suitable, appropriate, or correct for the situation. In plain terms, not right for the situation, whether that means unsuitable, incorrect, or indecent.
How do you pronounce “improper”?
“Improper” is pronounced ihm-PROP-uh (/ɪmˈpɹɑ.pɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “improper” in a sentence?
Here is “improper” used in a sentence: “It would be improper to discuss the case with the press.”
What is another word for “improper”?
Words with a similar meaning to “improper” include unproper.
What part of speech is “improper”?
“Improper” is an adjective.
Where does the word “improper” come from?
The word “improper” comes from Latin. From Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius, from in- + proprius ("proper, one's own").
Is “improper” a common word?
“Improper” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “improper” have?
“Improper” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not suitable, appropriate, or correct for the situation.
What is the difference between improper and inappropriate?
Improper and inappropriate are close synonyms, both describing something not suitable or correct for a situation. Improper often carries a slightly stronger suggestion of impropriety or a breach of accepted standards, while inappropriate is somewhat more neutral and commonly used in everyday contexts.
What is the difference between improper and rude?
Improper describes behaviour that is not in keeping with accepted standards or is not correct for the situation, while rude specifically means lacking courtesy or being offensive to others. Behaviour can be improper without being rude, such as wearing casual clothes to a formal event.
Is improper a formal word?
Improper is used in both everyday and formal English, but it appears especially often in formal, legal, or official language when describing conduct that fails to meet accepted standards, such as 'improper use of funds.'
