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improper
[ im-prop-er ]
adjective
- not proper; not strictly belonging, applicable, correct, etc.; erroneous:
He drew improper conclusions from the scant evidence.
Synonyms: , ,
Antonyms: ,
- not in accordance with propriety of behavior, manners, etc.:
improper conduct at a funeral.
Synonyms: , , ,
Antonyms:
- unsuitable or inappropriate, as for the purpose or occasion:
improper attire for a formal dance.
Synonyms: , ,
Antonyms: ,
- abnormal or irregular:
improper functioning of the speech mechanism.
improper
/ ɪˈɒə /
adjective
- lacking propriety; not seemly or fitting
- unsuitable for a certain use or occasion; inappropriate
an improper use for a tool
- irregular or abnormal
Derived Forms
- ˈDZԱ, noun
- ˈDZ, adverb
Other Word Forms
- ·DZİ· adverb
- ·DZİ·Ա noun
Word History and Origins
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
Recently, in an executive order, President Trump directed the removal of “improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology” from the Smithsonian Institution.
There can be no question that “intentionally marking people who are still living as dead” in the master file “is unheard of and improper,” Flick stated.
In the event, senior costs judge Andrew Gordon-Saker ruled that while there was a "failure to be transparent", it was not "sufficiently unreasonable or improper" to constitute misconduct.
District Court was an improper venue to challenge the actions of the sitting president's administration.
Those facts helped sway the high court that Juror 5’s concerns were genuine and his removal improper.
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Related Words
More About Improper
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 … ?
are some other forms related to improper?
- improperly (adverb)
- improperness (noun)
are some synonyms for improper?
are some words that share a root or word element with improper?
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)
Yes, I will happily point out improper usage when someone is trying to question my intelligence. Because of the irony.
— J.A. Adande (@jadande)
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)
Try using improper!
Which of the following is NOT a synonym for improper?
A. irregular
B. inappropriate
C. incorrect
D. acceptable
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