improper

[im-prop-er]

adjective

1. not proper; not strictly belonging, applicable, correct, etc.; erroneous.

   He drew improper conclusions from the scant evidence.

   Synonyms: unfit, unsuited, inapplicable
   Antonyms: suitable, fitting

2. not in accordance with propriety of behavior, manners, etc..

   improper conduct at a funeral.

   Synonyms: indecorous, unfit, unsuited, inapplicable
   Antonyms: proper

3. unsuitable or inappropriate, as for the purpose or occasion.

   improper attire for a formal dance.

   Synonyms: unfit, unsuited, inapplicable
   Antonyms: suitable, fitting

4. abnormal or irregular.

   improper functioning of the speech mechanism.

improper

/ ɪmˈprɒpə /

adjective

1. lacking propriety; not seemly or fitting

2. unsuitable for a certain use or occasion; inappropriate

   an improper use for a tool

3. irregular or abnormal

Other Word Forms

• improperly adverb
• improperness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of improper¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Investigators later determined that improper repair work on the American Airlines plane had damaged parts within its pylon, a structure that attaches the engine to the wing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Dutch government said it originally invoked the Act following concerns "from actions attributed to the now-suspended CEO, involving the improper transfer of product assets, funds, technology, and knowledge to a foreign entity".

Read more on BBC

“Let me ask you this. How can I honor my wife’s memory when she was everything to me? Isn’t it improper to continue on with life, after such a loss?”

Read more on Literature

But that would have been improper, and I didn’t want to be scolded for misbehaving.

Read more on Literature

He added: "I have never been involved in, nor have I facilitated, encouraged, or condoned, any form of illegal or improper activity."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• awkward 
• erroneous 
• false 
• ill-advised 
• imprudent 
• inaccurate 
• inadmissible 
• inappropriate 
• incorrect 
• irregular 
• unwarranted 
• wrong 

When To Use

What does improper mean?

Improper describes something considered unsuitable or inappropriate for the purpose or occasion, as in A ballgown is improper dress for playing basketball.Improper also describes something that isn’t appropriate for a specific scenario or circumstance, as in Shouting out the answers during a silent test is generally considered improper.Improper can also describe something that is not correct, such as with an inaccurate conclusion or faulty language usage.Finally, improper can be used to describe something as abnormal or irregular, particularly in reference to how something mechanical operates.Example: We knew the test readouts were improper because the results were physically impossible.