unseemly

[ uhn-seem-lee ]

adjective

, un·seem·li·er, un·seem·li·est.

1. not seemly; not in keeping with established standards of taste or proper form; unbecoming or indecorous in appearance, speech, conduct, etc.:

   an unseemly act; unseemly behavior.

   Synonyms: unbefitting, inappropriate

2. inappropriate for time or place:

   an unseemly hour.

adverb

1. in an unseemly manner.

unseemly

/ ʌnˈsiːmlɪ /

adjective

1. not in good style or taste; unbecoming
2. obsolete.
   unattractive

adverb

1. rare.
   in an unseemly manner

Derived Forms

• unˈseemliness, noun

Other Words From

• un·seemli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unseemly¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; un- ¹, seemly

Synonym Study

See improper.

Example Sentences

While many of these subreddits are innocuous, it’s no secret that Reddit has long been a haven for unseemly behavior.

From Time

Some of that is unseemly and sometimes it’s outright unethical or flatly corrupt.

From Voice of San Diego

It was perceived as disrespectful and unseemly in public spaces because it was viewed as noisy and disruptive and was believed to damage public property.

From Ozy

He did not want to appear unseemly as he would be the man with the most to gain if the new government was approved.

From The Daily Beast

Dean Naoum, for one, thinks the conflict has reduced the city to an unseemly spectacle.

From The Daily Beast

Only the unworldly could still think this was, at its worst, only an unseemly platonic relationship rather than a serious bonding.

From The Daily Beast

But it betrays a stunning lack of historical awareness and an unseemly lack of faith.

From The Daily Beast

Loud, overbearing, and unseemly, he is the very personification of the human id in a mock turtleneck and gold chain.

From The Daily Beast

Notwithstanding the unseemly hour, the people came running out at the outcry and clamor especially those from the nearest houses.

From Project Gutenberg

The trumpet of Wesley and Whitefield was needed before that unseemly slumber could again be broken.

From Project Gutenberg

All this unseemly rage and row about such aa Dorcas, I never saw you carry on like this before.

From Project Gutenberg

His dress was of the meanest materials, and so ragged and unseemly as to give him the air of studied poverty.

From Project Gutenberg

George Heriot rose from the table, observing, that wine-cups and legal documents were unseemly neighbours.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• inappropriate
• indecent
• tawdry
• undignified
• untoward