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Unseemly: meaning, definitions and examples

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unseemly

 

[ʌnˈsiːmli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Not in keeping with accepted standards of what is proper or right; inappropriate or indecent.

Synonyms

improper, inappropriate, indecent, unbecoming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unseemly

Used when behavior or appearance is not fitting the social norms or is not suitable for the situation.

  • His unseemly laughter at the funeral shocked everyone
indecent

Used when something is morally offensive or not conforming to accepted standards of behavior, typically in a sexual context.

  • He was fined for making indecent remarks in public
improper

Used when something does not meet accepted standards or is against rules and protocol.

  • Wearing jeans to a formal event is considered improper
inappropriate

Used when something is not suitable for the given context or situation, often causing discomfort or offense.

  • Telling jokes during a serious meeting is inappropriate
unbecoming

Used when behavior or appearance is not appropriate for someone's dignity or status, often related to clothing or conduct.

  • Her loud argument at the fancy restaurant was unbecoming of a lady

Examples of usage

  • It would be unseemly for a teacher to date a student.
  • His unseemly behavior at the party shocked everyone.
Context #2 | Adverb

behavior

In a manner that is inappropriate or indecent.

Synonyms

improperly, inappropriately, indecently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unseemly

Use this word when describing behavior or actions that don't conform to accepted standards of good manners or propriety. Can be used in formal or semi-formal contexts.

  • His unseemly outburst surprised everyone at the dinner party.
  • It was unseemly for him to interrupt the speaker in such a rude manner.
indecently

Use this word to describe actions, dress, or speech that violate standards of decency and can be offensive. This term often has a negative connotation and is used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • She was fined for behaving indecently in public.
  • He was fired for making indecently suggestive comments to his coworkers.
improperly

Use this word to describe actions or behaviors that are incorrect or not appropriate according to rules, standards, or norms. Can be used in both formal and casual contexts.

  • She improperly handled the confidential documents.
  • The machine was improperly installed, leading to its malfunction.
inappropriately

Best used when describing actions, behaviors, or remarks that are not suitable for the situation. Commonly used in both professional and casual settings.

  • He dressed inappropriately for the formal event.
  • The teacher spoke inappropriately to the students, causing concern among the parents.

Examples of usage

  • She laughed unseemly loudly during the solemn ceremony.
  • He spoke unseemly of his former employer.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'unseemly' comes from Old English, with 'seemly' meaning 'fitting' or 'suitable'.
  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', so together they indicate something that isn’t suitable.
  • The term has been used since the late 14th century, reflecting societal norms about appropriate behavior.

Social Etiquette

  • In social settings, actions deemed 'unseemly' can lead to awkward situations or misunderstandings.
  • 'Unseemly' behaviors vary greatly across cultures, highlighting the importance of context in societal norms.
  • What is considered unseemly in one culture might be perfectly acceptable in another, demonstrating fluidity in etiquette.

Literature

  • The word frequently appears in classic literature, often used to describe characters acting outside societal expectations.
  • Famous authors like Jane Austen employed 'unseemly' to critique social behaviors and class expectations of their time.
  • Plays and novels often portray 'unseemly' characters to evoke humor or moral lessons about respectability.

Psychology

  • Engaging in unseemly behavior can lead to feelings of guilt or shame, affecting personal relationships.
  • Social psychologists study how perceptions of unseemliness influence group dynamics and individual behavior.
  • People often conform to 'seemly' standards to gain social acceptance and avoid negative judgment.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV has popularized 'unseemly' behavior, often leading to dramatic confrontations among cast members.
  • Memes often highlight moments when public figures act unseemly, creating viral content that critiques their behavior.
  • Characters in sitcoms often engage in unseemly antics for comedic effect, reflecting societal norms humorously.

Translations

Translations of the word "unseemly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inadequado

🇮🇳 अयोग्य

🇩🇪 ungehörig

🇮🇩 tidak pantas

🇺🇦 недоречний

🇵🇱 nieodpowiedni

🇯🇵 不適切な

🇫🇷 indécent

🇪🇸 indecente

🇹🇷 uygunsuz

🇰🇷 부적절한

🇸🇦 غير مناسب

🇨🇿 nepatřičný

🇸🇰 neprípustný

🇨🇳 不合适的

🇸🇮 neprimerno

🇮🇸 óviðeigandi

🇰🇿 қолайсыз

🇬🇪 არასასურველი

🇦🇿 uyğunsuz

🇲🇽 inadecuado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,148, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.