indecorous

in·de·co·rous

adj
\(ˌ)in-ˈde-k(ə-)rəs; ˌin-di-ˈkȯr-əs\

Definition of INDECOROUS

: not decorous : conflicting with accepted standards of good conduct or good taste

— in·de·co·rous·ly adverb

— in·de·co·rous·ness noun

Examples of INDECOROUS

1. <an indecorous joke for a solemn moment in the marriage ceremony>

Origin of INDECOROUS

Latin indecorus, from in- + decorus decorous

First Known Use: 1668

Related to INDECOROUS

Synonyms: amiss, graceless, improper, inapposite, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, inappropriate, 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

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Synonym Discussion of INDECOROUS

indecorous, improper, unseemly, unbecoming, indelicate mean not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste. indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners <indecorous behavior>. improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method <improper use of campaign contributions>. unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste <remarried with unseemly haste>. unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status <conduct unbecoming to an officer>. indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling <indelicate expressions for bodily functions>.