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impropriety

noun

im·​pro·​pri·​e·​ty ˌim-p(r)ə-ˈprī-ə-tē How to pronounce impropriety (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Korf and Laber deny the allegations of impropriety and maintain that their investments helped local economies. Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 Trump is set to host leaders of the world’s leading rich and developing economies at next year’s Group of 20 summit at his golf club at the nearby city of Doral, despite what critics say is the appearance of impropriety. Seung Min Kim, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impropriety

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of impropriety was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Impropriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impropriety. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on impropriety

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