improper

im·prop·er

adjective \(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər\

Definition of IMPROPER

: not proper: as

a : not in accord with fact, truth, or right procedure : incorrect <improper inference>

b : not regularly or normally formed or not properly so called

c : not suited to the circumstances, design, or end <improper medicine>

d : not in accord with propriety, modesty, good manners, or good taste <improper language>

— im·prop·er·ly adverb

— im·prop·er·ness noun

Examples of IMPROPER

1. The doctor gave him an improper diagnosis.
2. They claim to have evidence of improper police conduct.
3. improper use of public land
4. This is an improper diet for a growing teenager.
5. It would be improper for me to ask such a favor of her.
6. He made some improper remarks.

Origin of IMPROPER

Middle English, from Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius, from in- + proprius proper

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to IMPROPER

Synonyms

amiss, graceless, inappropriate, inapposite, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, malapropos, perverse, unapt, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, untoward, wrong

Antonyms

appropriate, becoming, befitting, correct, decorous, felicitous, fit, fitting, genteel, happy, meet, proper, right, seemly, suitable

Related Words

inopportune, unfortunate, unseasonable, untimely; extraneous, immaterial, inapplicable, irrelative, irrelevant; misbecoming, mismatched; incompatible, inconsistent, uncongenial; bad, naughty, sinful; blamable, blameworthy, censurable; banned, barred, disallowed; forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed; awkward, gauche, ungraceful; unacceptable, unsatisfactory

Near Antonyms

fortunate, opportune, seasonable, timely; applicable, apposite, apropos, apt, germane, material, pat, pointed, relative, relevant; compatible, congenial, harmonious; allowed, authorized, permitted; approved, endorsed (also indorsed), kosher, licensed, sanctioned; abetted, encouraged, promoted, supported; acceptable, adequate, all right, decent, fine, OK (or okay), passable, respectable, satisfactory, tolerable; commendable, creditable, exemplary; blameless, irreproachable; balanced, companionate, congruous, consonant, harmonious

See Synonym Discussion at indecorous

Rhymes with IMPROPER

bebopper, cartopper, clodhopper, eavesdropper, eyedropper, eyepopper, grasshopper, hedgehopper, hip-hopper, job-hopper, joypopper, leafhopper, name-dropper, rockhopper, sharecropper, showstopper, skin-popper, treehopper, woodchopper