impropriety

[im-pruh-prahy-i-tee]

noun

plural

improprieties 

1. the quality or condition of being improper; incorrectness.

2. inappropriateness; unsuitableness.

3. unseemliness; indecorousness.

4. an erroneous or unsuitable expression, act, etc.

5. an improper use of a word or phrase.

impropriety

/ ˌɪmprəˈpraɪɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of propriety; indecency; indecorum

2. an improper act or use

3. the state of being improper

Word History and Origins

Origin of impropriety¹

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

Example Sentences

James Washington, who recently was the head of UCLA’s NIL collective, denies any impropriety tied to funds being funneled through a nonprofit he runs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Lloyd’s officials assured AIG that its governing council wasn’t aware of any evidence of impropriety, the person added.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Becerra, who has not been accused of wrongdoing, said Wednesday’s charges alleging “impropriety by a long-serving trusted advisor are a gut punch,” and that he was cooperating with authorities.

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“The news today of formal accusations of impropriety by a long-serving trusted advisor are a gut punch,” Becerra said in a statement.

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They further argue that endless time for receipt increases “suspicions of impropriety,” reduces the time to resolve election disputes, and puts voters across the country on unequal election footing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• indecency