adj

unseemly

Unseemly (adj) means not fitting proper standards of behaviour or decorum; improper. Example: “His unseemly outburst embarrassed the whole family.”

adj

Not fitting proper standards of behaviour or decorum; improper.

"His unseemly outburst embarrassed the whole family."

"It would be unseemly to discuss money at the funeral."

How to use unseemly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishInappropriate or improper given the social situation.

When to use it

A somewhat formal or old-fashioned word, common in polite or literary contexts.

Common pairings

unseemly behaviour unseemly haste in unseemly fashion

Word forms

unseemlier comparative, more unseemly comparative, unseemliest superlative, most unseemly superlative

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His _____ outburst embarrassed the whole family.

Etymology

From Middle English unsemli, from un- plus seemly, "fitting or proper."

Origin: Middle English

Frequently asked questions

What does “unseemly” mean?

The word “unseemly” means not fitting proper standards of behaviour or decorum; improper. In plain terms, inappropriate or improper given the social situation.

How do you use “unseemly” in a sentence?

Here is “unseemly” used in a sentence: “His unseemly outburst embarrassed the whole family.”

What part of speech is “unseemly”?

“Unseemly” is an adjective.

Where does the word “unseemly” come from?

The word “unseemly” comes from Middle English. From Middle English unsemli, from un- plus seemly, "fitting or proper.".