Unbecoming: meaning, definitions and examples

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unbecoming

[ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Not flattering or attractive; inappropriate or unsuitable.

Synonyms

improper, inappropriate, indecorous, unseemly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unbecoming	Refers to behavior or appearance that is not suitable or appropriate for a situation; often used to describe something that does not match an expected standard. His behavior at the formal dinner was unbecoming of a gentleman The loud print on the dress was unbecoming for a professional setting
inappropriate	Used to describe something that is not suitable or fitting for the context; can refer to both minor social faux pas and more serious breaches of conduct. Her joke was inappropriate for the formal meeting The movie contained inappropriate content for children
indecorous	Relates to actions that are not keeping with accepted standards of good taste or propriety; often used in formal contexts. His indecorous remarks during the speech shocked many attendees Indecorous behavior is not tolerated in this establishment
unseemly	Refers to behavior or actions that are not proper or appropriate; often conveys a sense of moral or ethical wrongness. His unseemly laughter at the funeral was very upsetting to others Engaging in such unseemly activities could damage your reputation
improper	Describes actions or behavior that do not follow the accepted rules or standards; suggests a lack of correctness or decorum. Wearing jeans to a wedding is considered improper It is improper to interrupt while someone else is speaking

Examples of usage

It was unbecoming of him to shout at his colleagues during the meeting.
Her unbecoming dress raised eyebrows at the formal event.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

character

Not in accordance with accepted standards of behavior or manners; unseemly or unsuitable.

Synonyms

disgraceful, indecent, scandalous, shameful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unbecoming	Used to describe behavior or appearance that is inappropriate or not suitable for a person's role or position. It is less severe than other terms. Her loud laughter was unbecoming of a teacher. Wearing such casual clothes to the formal dinner was unbecoming.
indecent	Typically refers to actions or remarks that are not in alignment with social or moral standards, often relating to something sexually inappropriate. The comedian's set was filled with indecent jokes. Wearing such revealing clothes in public is considered indecent.
shameful	Describes actions or events that bring shame upon someone, making them feel deeply embarrassed and dishonored. It is shameful to treat people with such disrespect. His shameful behavior at the party was talked about for weeks.
disgraceful	Describes actions that cause someone to lose respect or honor, often leading to social embarrassment or condemnation. His involvement in the bribery scandal was disgraceful. Leaving your children unattended is disgraceful.
scandalous	Used for actions or events that shock people and cause public outrage, involving serious wrongdoing or immorality. The politician was involved in a scandalous affair. The company's scandalous financial mismanagement made headlines.

Examples of usage

His unbecoming behavior at the party offended many guests.
The politician's unbecoming remarks caused controversy.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term originates from the Old English word 'becoming', which means 'fitting' or 'suitable'.
The prefix 'un-' indicates negation, so 'unbecoming' literally means 'not fitting'.
It first appeared in the English language in the late 18th century, marking a shift towards more descriptive criticism in social contexts.

Psychology

People often perceive actions as unbecoming when they violate social norms or expectations.
The concept is tied to self-presentation theory, where individuals manage how they're perceived by others.
In settings like interviews or formal events, failing to display appropriate behavior can be seen as unbecoming, affecting judgments of competence.

Literature

The term is frequently used in classical literature to describe behavior that diverges from the expected decorum, especially in character analyses.
In Jane Austen’s novels, characters often face critiques of their behavior being unbecoming of their social status.
Such descriptions can highlight moral lessons about virtue and propriety, often leading to character development.

Cultural Perspectives

In various cultures, unbecoming behavior can lead to social ostracization, emphasizing the importance of conforming to communal values.
The concept can highlight gender expectations; behaviors deemed unbecoming can disproportionately affect women in traditional societies.
In modern contexts, 'unbecoming' actions may trigger online backlash, reflecting society's changing views on acceptable behavior.

Pop Culture

The term has been used in music and film to describe characters who act in ways that are contrary to protagonist traits, often leading to their downfall.
Reality television often portrays participants engaging in unbecoming behavior to create drama and tension.
Popular discussions on social media frequently label public figures' actions as unbecoming, indicating societal standards are being monitored in real-time.

Translations

Translations of the word "unbecoming" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impróprio

🇮🇳 अनुपयुक्त

🇩🇪 unpassend

🇮🇩 tidak pantas

🇺🇦 негідний

🇵🇱 nieodpowiedni

🇯🇵 ふさわしくない

🇫🇷 indécent

🇪🇸 inapropiado

🇹🇷 uygunsuz

🇰🇷 어울리지 않는

🇸🇦 غير لائق

🇨🇿 nevhodný

🇸🇰 nevhodný

🇨🇳 不得体

🇸🇮 neprimeren

🇮🇸 óviðeigandi

🇰🇿 жараспайтын

🇬🇪 უხეში

🇦🇿 qeyri-münasib

🇲🇽 inapropiado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,198, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
21195 rethinking
21196 upshot
21197 laud
21198 unbecoming
21199 omnipresent
21200 laceration
21201 scrapped
...