definitions

improper

[ im-prop-er ]
/ ɪmˈprɒp ər /
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adjective

not proper; not strictly belonging, applicable, correct, etc.; erroneous: He drew improper conclusions from the scant evidence.
not in accordance with propriety of behavior, manners, etc.: improper conduct at a funeral.
unsuitable or inappropriate, as for the purpose or occasion: improper attire for a formal dance.
abnormal or irregular: improper functioning of the speech mechanism.

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RELATED WORDS

incorrect, unwarranted, inadmissible, inaccurate, irregular, inappropriate, wrong, erroneous, awkward, ill-advised, imprudent, false, untoward, unjust, indecent, wrongful, unseemly, unethical, abnormal, discordant

Nearby words

imprison, improbability, improbable, improbity, impromptu, improper, improper fraction, improper integral, improperia, impropriate, impropriety

Origin of improper

From the Latin word improprius, dating back to 1535–45. See im-2, proper

SYNONYMS FOR improper

1–3 inapplicable, unsuited, unfit.
2 indecorous. Improper, indecent, unbecoming, unseemly are applied to that which is unfitting or not in accordance with propriety. Improper has a wide range, being applied to whatever is not suitable or fitting, and often specifically to what does not conform to the standards of conventional morality: improper diet; improper behavior in church; improper language. Indecent, a strong word, is applied to what is offensively contrary to standards of propriety and especially of modesty: indecent behavior, literature. Unbecoming is applied to what is especially unfitting in the person concerned: conduct unbecoming a minister. Unseemly is applied to whatever is unfitting or improper under the circumstances: unseemly mirth.
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR improper ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

im·prop·er·ly, adverbim·prop·er·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for improper

British Dictionary definitions for improper

improper

/ (ɪmˈprɒpə) /

adjective

lacking propriety; not seemly or fitting
unsuitable for a certain use or occasion; inappropriatean improper use for a tool
irregular or abnormal

Derived Forms

improperly, adverbimproperness, noun
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