impropriety
noun
im·pro·pri·e·ty
ˌim-p(r)ə-ˈprī-ə-tē 
plural improprieties
1
: an improper or indecorous act or remark
accused of financial improprieties
The judge recused herself to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
especially
: an unacceptable use of a word or of language
2
: the quality or state of being improper
shocked by the impropriety of their language
Examples of impropriety in a Sentence
He has a reputation for impropriety.
The judge excused herself from the case to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
She was shocked by the young man's impropriety.
She was shocked by the impropriety of his behavior.
He has been accused of financial improprieties.
Recent Examples on the Web
Three departures and allegations of impropriety against four leaders of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system have eroded trust and raised questions about the system’s leadership going forward.
—
Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
Organizers maintain that the events are entirely separate, and the same White House official rejected suggestions of impropriety.
—Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2026
The mere appearance of potential impropriety is what all judges are supposed to be avoiding, said David Weber, director of the sports law institute at the University of Oregon.
—Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 9 June 2026
County Clerk Anthony Vega said in an interview on Wednesday that his office has the necessary sophisticated equipment to discern voting improprieties.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
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Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2026
Organizers maintain that the events are entirely separate, and the same White House official rejected suggestions of impropriety.
—Nik Popli, Time, 11 June 2026
The mere appearance of potential impropriety is what all judges are supposed to be avoiding, said David Weber, director of the sports law institute at the University of Oregon.
—Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 9 June 2026
County Clerk Anthony Vega said in an interview on Wednesday that his office has the necessary sophisticated equipment to discern voting improprieties.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
Cite this Entry
“Impropriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impropriety. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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