Improper: meaning, definitions and examples

🚫
Add to dictionary

improper

 

[ ɪmˈprɒpə ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not in accordance with accepted standards, especially of morality or honesty.

Synonyms

inappropriate, indecent, unethical, unseemly

Examples of usage

  • He was criticized for his improper behavior at the meeting.
  • Her improper actions led to her dismissal from the company.
Context #2 | Adjective

use

Not suitable or fitting for a particular purpose or situation.

Synonyms

inappropriate, unfit, unsuitable, unsuited

Examples of usage

  • It would be improper to wear jeans to a formal event.
  • Using slang in a professional setting is considered improper.

Translations

Translations of the word "improper" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impróprio

🇮🇳 अनुचित

🇩🇪 unangemessen

🇮🇩 tidak pantas

🇺🇦 неналежний

🇵🇱 niewłaściwy

🇯🇵 不適切な

🇫🇷 inapproprié

🇪🇸 inapropiado

🇹🇷 uygunsuz

🇰🇷 부적절한

🇸🇦 غير لائق

🇨🇿 nevhodný

🇸🇰 nevhodný

🇨🇳 不适当的

🇸🇮 neprimeren

🇮🇸 óviðeigandi

🇰🇿 дұрыс емес

🇬🇪 შეუფერებელი

🇦🇿 uyğunsuz

🇲🇽 inapropiado

Etymology

The word 'improper' originated from the Latin word 'imprōprius', which meant 'not one's own'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'not in accordance with accepted standards'. The term has been used in English since the 14th century.

See also: improperly, properly, properness, property.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,416 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.