improper

adjective im·prop·er \ (ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər \

Definition of improper

:not proper: such 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

—

improperly

adverb

—

improperness

noun

See improper defined for English-language learners

See improper defined for kids

Examples of improper in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of improper from the Web

CVS alleges the commission denied the permit request based on incorrect or improper information about the application and the store’s effect on surrounding businesses, according to the appeal.

— bryce alderton, Daily Pilot, "Laguna City Council to consider CVS' appeal to move into Laguna Drug site," 18 Aug. 2017
Sanctions are considered due recourse for Russia’s improper meddling, and all patriotic Americans should support them.

— noah daponte-smith, National Review, "Europe Balks at Our Russia Sanctions," 28 July 2017
And while the panel is assigned to identify vulnerabilities that may lead to improper registration and voting, absent from Trump’s executive order is any express directive to review cyber security.

— andrew m harris, Bloomberg.com, "Trump Vote Panel Vice Chair Questions Clinton Popular Vote Win," 19 July 2017
Mitchell said the department did not inform state authorities, however, when Betts was investigated in 2013 for improper contact with a teenage girl in the Explorer program.

— phillip m. bailey, The Courier-Journal, "Metro Council moving on stronger reporting rules for Louisville cops accused of child abuse," 19 July 2017
Police said the five men were arrested on charges of improper management, misappropriation of funds, corruption and falsifying documents as part of a probe into the finances of the federations.

— joseph wilson, The Seattle Times, "Police arrest Spanish soccer federation president and son," 18 July 2017
Amato's other charges included failure to display plates, failure to drive in the proper lane, failure to drive at a reasonable speed, vehicle driven with intent to harass or intimidate and making an improper turn.

— christine dempsey, courant.com, "Driver Commits Road Rage In Middletown, Police Say — Against Cops," 17 July 2017
The Maple Heights man, 32, was arrested and charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.

— jeff piorkowski/special to cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Men crash in separate incidents while high on heroin: Solon police blotter," 13 July 2017
After fining Google $2.7 billion over alleged improper favoring of its shopping service, European Union antitrust regulators got right back to work.

— adam lashinsky, Fortune, "Data Sheet—Thursday, July 6, 2017," 6 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'improper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of improper

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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improper Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of improper

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

IMPROPER Defined for English Language Learners

improper

adjective

Definition of improper for English Language Learners

: not correct
: not following rules of acceptable behavior : legally or morally wrong
: not suitable for the situation : not appropriate

IMPROPER Defined for Kids

improper

adjective im·prop·er \ im-ˈprä-pər \

Definition of improper for Students

:not proper, right, or suitable

He used improper grammar.

—

improperly

adverb

Law Dictionary

improper

adjective im·prop·er

legal Definition of improper

:not proper: as

a :not in accord with correct procedure

an improper venue

b :wrongful; specifically :in violation of a constitution

the denial of trial by jury was held improper

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improperly

adverb

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See words that rhyme with improper Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for improper Spanish Central: Translation of improper Nglish: Translation of improper for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of improper for Arabic speakers

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improper Synonyms

Synonyms

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IMPROPER Defined for English Language Learners

improper

Definition of improper for English Language Learners

IMPROPER Defined for Kids

improper

Definition of improper for Students

improperly

Law Dictionary

improper

legal Definition of improper

improperly

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