improper
OTHER WORDS FOR improper
synonym study for improper
OTHER WORDS FROM improper
im·prop·er·ly, adverbim·prop·er·ness, nounWords nearby improper
MORE ABOUT IMPROPER
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.
Where does improper come from?
The first records of the term improper come from around 1530. It ultimately comes from the Latin improprius.
Proper and improper are often used to describe public behaviors, manners, dress, language, and more, judging them against an ideal, which is sometimes unrealistic in an effort to keep people from obtaining it. One example of this is setting as proper a hairstyle that is impossible for some people. Any deviation from this hairstyle would be considered improper.
In the past, the term proper was often associated with people of upper-class society with “good” character or that lived “respectable” lifestyles. Improper by extension was used to describe people who did not live high society lifestyles, and was often used as an insult to describe people who received a lower income. Improper is still used in this way in certain cases, such as fine dining, special event planning, and dress.
Did you know … ?
What are some other forms related to improper?
- improperly (adverb)
- improperness (noun)
What are some synonyms for improper?
What are some words that share a root or word element with improper?
What are some words that often get used in discussing improper?
How is improper used in real life?
Generally, something that is improper is abnormal or irregular compared to what is expected in a given situation.
Just remind me again why 8 and 9 year olds have to be able to turn an improper fraction into a mixed number?!?!
— Dick and Dom (@dickndom) May 4, 2020
Yes, I will happily point out improper usage when someone is trying to question my intelligence. Because of the irony.
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) May 18, 2016
I realize that last tweet contained improper grammar. Its 2 am. Or, it's 2 A.M…. you guys it's late.
— Jeremy Jordan (@JeremyMJordan) May 4, 2016
Try using improper!
Which of the following is NOT a synonym for improper?
A. irregular
B. inappropriate
C. incorrect
D. acceptable