Synonyms

unbecoming

American

[uhn-bi-kuhm-ing] / ˌʌn bɪˈkʌm ɪŋ /

adjective

detracting from one's appearance, character, or reputation; unattractive or unseemly.

an unbecoming hat; unbecoming language.

Synonyms:

unfit, unsuitable, unapt

unbecoming British

/ ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ /

adjective

unsuitable or inappropriate, esp through being unattractive

an unbecoming hat
not proper or seemly (for)

manners unbecoming a lady

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See improper.

Other Word Forms

unbecomingly adverb
unbecomingness noun

Etymology

Origin of unbecoming

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ¹ + becoming

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The secretary issued a “letter of censure” against Sen. Kelly “for conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline in the armed forces and conduct unbecoming an officer.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The sources familiar with the Perez photo case said the officer was accused of “conduct unbecoming,” widely considered a catchall category for inappropriate behavior under department regulations.

From Los Angeles Times

Singh defended himself during the debate, saying that his "conscience remains clear" and disagreed with the debate's resolution that his behaviour was "dishonourable and unbecoming".

From BBC

“It’s unbecoming of the office in which you represent.”

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than being reported to the police the incident was recorded as "inappropriate behaviour unbecoming of a warrant officer".

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023