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

Blaylock denied any impropriety in a statement to Sportico last month. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 14 Dec. 2025

Kimbrew has been convicted of felonies for financial impropriety as a Compton school board member and for charges related to state election code violations. —Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 12 Dec. 2025

The team at 60 Minutes reached out to Ghost, Cameron, Holden and MacInnes for comment, though the foursome declined to give a statement, citing the impropriety of doing so amid the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 23 Nov. 2025

Selectively quoting half-sentences cannot create impropriety where none exists. —Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025

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

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

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