adj
unseemly
Unseemly (adj) means not fitting proper standards of behaviour or decorum; improper. Example: “His unseemly outburst embarrassed the whole family.”
adj
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Comparative
- unseemlier, more unseemly
- Superlative
- unseemliest, most unseemly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His _____ outburst embarrassed the whole family.
Etymology
From Middle English unsemli, from un- plus seemly, "fitting or proper."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.".
