unbecoming

American  

[uhn-bi-kuhm-ing] / ˌʌn bɪˈkʌm ɪŋ /

adjective

1. detracting from one's appearance, character, or reputation; unattractive or unseemly.

   an unbecoming hat; unbecoming language.

   Synonyms:

   unfit, unsuitable, unapt

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unbecoming British  

/ ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ /

adjective

1. unsuitable or inappropriate, esp through being unattractive

   an unbecoming hat

2. not proper or seemly (for)

   manners unbecoming a lady

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Related Words

See improper.

Other Word Forms

• unbecomingly adverb
• unbecomingness noun

Etymology

Origin of unbecoming

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ¹ + becoming

Example Sentences

“It’s unbecoming of the office in which you represent.”

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than being reported to the police the incident was recorded as "inappropriate behaviour unbecoming of a warrant officer".

From BBC

Instead, the only paper trail that exists of the incident is a minor sanction record- which simply cites "inappropriate behaviour unbecoming of a warrant officer".

From BBC

In a statement released days before the vote, she said his past behaviour, "demonstrates a lack of judgment that is unbecoming of someone who would lead our armed forces".

From BBC

When they struggled, so did I. But mostly, when they made mistakes unbecoming of their role model image, I dutifully took it upon myself to defend them from criticism.

From Salon

Related Words

• indecent
• unflattering
• unseemly
• untoward