Unbecoming Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ โโ๏ธ
unbecoming
[หสnbษชหkสmษชล ]
Definitions
behavior
Not flattering or attractive; inappropriate or unsuitable.
Synonyms
improper, inappropriate, indecorous, unseemly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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.
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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.
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indecorous |
Relates to actions that are not keeping with accepted standards of good taste or propriety; often used in formal contexts.
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unseemly |
Refers to behavior or actions that are not proper or appropriate; often conveys a sense of moral or ethical wrongness.
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improper |
Describes actions or behavior that do not follow the accepted rules or standards; suggests a lack of correctness or decorum.
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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.
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.
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indecent |
Typically refers to actions or remarks that are not in alignment with social or moral standards, often relating to something sexually inappropriate.
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shameful |
Describes actions or events that bring shame upon someone, making them feel deeply embarrassed and dishonored.
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disgraceful |
Describes actions that cause someone to lose respect or honor, often leading to social embarrassment or condemnation.
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scandalous |
Used for actions or events that shock people and cause public outrage, involving serious wrongdoing or immorality.
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Examples of usage
- His unbecoming behavior at the party offended many guests.
- The politician's unbecoming remarks caused controversy.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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 Austenโs 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.
Origin of 'unbecoming'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'unbecoming' originated from the Middle English term 'unbicumen,' which means 'not seemly' or 'unsuitable.' It has been used since the 14th century to describe actions or behaviors that are inappropriate or not in accordance with accepted standards. Over time, 'unbecoming' has evolved to convey a sense of impropriety or lack of decorum in various contexts.
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.
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- 21195 rethinking
- 21196 upshot
- 21197 laud
- 21198 unbecoming
- 21199 omnipresent
- 21200 laceration
- 21201 scrapped
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