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

Apollo also commissioned an independent investigation into Black’s ties to Epstein, which did not reveal any impropriety. — Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

As reported exclusively at Fox News Digital, the Justice Department has launched a grand jury investigation into Singham for alleged money laundering and other financial improprieties. — Asra Q. Nomani , Solly Boussidan, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026

Hegseth denied any impropriety but the furor prompted congressional scrutiny of how and why the military was pursuing the campaign. — Marie-Rose Sheinerman, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

During Monday’s meeting trustees forcefully pushed back on the suggestion that there were governance improprieties. — Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 24 June 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