unseemly

[uhn-seem-lee]

adjective

unseemlier, unseemliest 

1. not seemly; not in keeping with established standards of taste or proper form; unbecoming or indecorous in appearance, speech, conduct, etc..

   an unseemly act; unseemly behavior.

   Synonyms: inappropriate, unbefitting

2. inappropriate for time or place.

   an unseemly hour.

adverb

1. in an unseemly manner.

unseemly

/ ʌnˈsiːmlɪ /

adjective

1. not in good style or taste; unbecoming

2. obsolete,  unattractive

adverb

1. rare,  in an unseemly manner

Other Word Forms

• unseemliness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unseemly¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; un- ¹, seemly

Synonym Study

See improper.

Example Sentences

They still think it’s unseemly in a woman.

Read more on Salon

To his fans, the headstone shows an impertinence that borders on the unseemly.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Noah Smith, writer of the Noahpinion Substack, said Trump's highly lucrative foray into cryptocurrencies - as unseemly as it has been - may have freed him from depending on Musk to carry out his will.

Read more on BBC

Some of this unseemly grift, including the possible new Qatar Force One, was made easier by the highest court in the land, which has allowed our government to operate according to the lowest standards.

Read more on Salon

That’s how power obfuscates unseemly machinations: by claiming to be doing the opposite.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• inappropriate 
• indecent 
• tawdry 
• undignified 
• untoward