impropriety

[ im-pruh-prahy-i-tee ]
/ ˌɪm prəˈpraɪ ɪ ti /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR impropriety ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural im·pro·pri·e·ties for 4, 5.

the quality or condition of being improper; incorrectness.
inappropriateness; unsuitableness.
unseemliness; indecorousness.
an erroneous or unsuitable expression, act, etc.
an improper use of a word or phrase.

QUIZZES

DON’T VACILLATE! VANQUISH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

It’d be a real faux pas to miss this quiz on the words from August 3–9, 2020!
Question 1 of 7
What does “vacillate” mean?
to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute.
to cause to be empty or unoccupied.
to assent tacitly; agree; consent.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of impropriety

From the Late Latin word improprietās, dating back to 1605–15. See im-2, propriety

Words nearby impropriety

improper, improper fraction, Improperia, improper integral, impropriate, impropriety, improv, improve, improvement, improve on, improver
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to impropriety

indecency, goof, unseemliness, incorrectness, vulgarity, solecism, incongruity, blunder, vulgarism, unsuitability, slip, rudeness, gaffe, barbarism, indecorum, impudence, gaucherie, immodesty, inelegance, faux pas

Example sentences from the Web for impropriety

British Dictionary definitions for impropriety

impropriety
/ (ˌɪmprəˈpraɪɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

lack of propriety; indecency; indecorum
an improper act or use
the state of being improper
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