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

Synonyms of impropriety

• unfitness
• inappropriateness
• disrespect
• unseemliness
• incorrectness

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

They haven’t been accused of any impropriety themselves, but their father, Andrew, was arrested for suspicion of misconduct in public office, and their mother, Fergie, featured heavily in the Epstein files. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 18 May 2026

Any student accused of impropriety comes before a jury of their peers. —Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 12 May 2026

Both camps denied any impropriety, claims initially backed up by The Athletic. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026

Amid the allegations of impropriety and conflicts of interest though, the program at George Mason University has scarcely been noticed. —Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 2 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

French or Late Latin; French impropriété, from Late Latin improprietat-, improprietas, from Latin improprius

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for impropriety

• anxiety
• impiety
• propriety
• satiety
• sobriety
• society
• variety
• antianxiety
• intersociety
• contrariety
• inebriety
• notoriety

Kids Definition

impropriety

noun

im·​pro·​pri·​ety

ˌim-prə-ˈprī-ət-ē

plural improprieties

1

: the quality or state of being improper

2

: an improper act or remark