unbecoming

[uhn-bi-kuhm-ing]

adjective

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

   an unbecoming hat; unbecoming language.

   Synonyms: unfit, unsuitable, unapt

unbecoming

/ ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ /

adjective

1. unsuitable or inappropriate, esp through being unattractive

   an unbecoming hat

2. not proper or seemly (for)

   manners unbecoming a lady

Other Word Forms

• unbecomingly adverb
• unbecomingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unbecoming¹

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

Synonym Study

See improper.

Example Sentences

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

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

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“It's unbecoming . . . the way a man's lip purses. The size of the straw is too dainty.”

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“By assaulting your neighbor and being convicted of a felony, you engaged in conduct unbecoming a fire captain,” Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Ewald wrote in a January 2023 termination letter.

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The inspector general concluded Finerty had violated the code of military justice, including “conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman” for his “inappropriate relationships” with all five women.

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Related Words

• indecent 
• unflattering 
• unseemly 
• untoward