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Improperly: meaning, definitions and examples

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improperly

 

[ ɪmˈprɒpəli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

Not in a way that is correct or appropriate; incorrectly.

Synonyms

incorrectly, wrongly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
improperly

Use this word when something is done in a way that is not suitable or appropriate according to rules, customs, or standards.

  • He dressed improperly for the formal event.
  • The machine was handled improperly, causing it to malfunction.
incorrectly

Use this word when something is done in a way that is not right or accurate according to facts, information, or procedures.

  • She answered the question incorrectly.
  • The data was entered incorrectly in the spreadsheet.
wrongly

Use this word to describe a moral judgment or general idea that something should not have been done; it often carries a negative connotation.

  • He was wrongly accused of the crime.
  • She feels that she was wrongly judged by her peers.

Examples of usage

  • He was improperly dressed for the occasion.
  • The machine was improperly calibrated, causing errors in the results.
Context #2 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a way that is not socially acceptable or morally right.

Synonyms

indecently, unacceptably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
improperly

Use this word when referring to something that is done in a way that is not correct or appropriate according to rules or standards.

  • She handled the equipment improperly, causing it to malfunction
indecently

This word is best suited for situations involving behavior that is morally or socially offensive, often related to sexual conduct. It typically has a negative connotation.

  • He was arrested for acting indecently in a public place
unacceptably

This word is used when describing actions or behaviors that are not tolerable or satisfactory. It often conveys a strong disapproval.

  • The company's response to the complaint was unacceptably slow

Examples of usage

  • She was accused of behaving improperly at the party.
  • The company was fined for improperly disposing of hazardous waste.

Translations

Translations of the word "improperly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imprópria

🇮🇳 गलत तरीके से

🇩🇪 unsachgemäß

🇮🇩 tidak benar

🇺🇦 неправильно

🇵🇱 niewłaściwie

🇯🇵 不適切に

🇫🇷 incorrectement

🇪🇸 incorrectamente

🇹🇷 yanlış bir şekilde

🇰🇷 부적절하게

🇸🇦 بشكل غير صحيح

🇨🇿 nesprávně

🇸🇰 nesprávne

🇨🇳 不当

🇸🇮 nepravilno

🇮🇸 ósamkvæmt

🇰🇿 дұрыс емес

🇬🇪 არასწორად

🇦🇿 səhv

🇲🇽 incorrectamente

Etymology

The word 'improperly' originated from the combination of the prefix 'im-' meaning 'not' and the word 'properly', which comes from the Latin 'proprius' meaning 'one's own, special'. The term has been in use since the 16th century, evolving to encompass both the notions of correctness and appropriateness.

See also: improper, properly, properness, property.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,953 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.