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
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
Former lawmakers raise concerns Jim Barnett, a former Republican Kansas state senator from 2001 to 2010, said Welton’s living arrangement raises questions about potential impropriety — whether or not campaign funds were paid back to Olson in the form of rent.
—
Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
Voluntary license surrender is the most common way Wisconsin educators lose their teaching credentials across all types of misconduct, including physical assault, financial impropriety and criminal convictions, the Cap Times found.
—Danielle Duclos, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Protect yourself at the first sign of coercion or impropriety.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Carbon offset purchases typically would infuse cash into the company at a high margin and would shield any potential impropriety from the Clippers.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
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Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
Voluntary license surrender is the most common way Wisconsin educators lose their teaching credentials across all types of misconduct, including physical assault, financial impropriety and criminal convictions, the Cap Times found.
—Danielle Duclos, jsonline.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Protect yourself at the first sign of coercion or impropriety.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Carbon offset purchases typically would infuse cash into the company at a high margin and would shield any potential impropriety from the Clippers.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
Cite this Entry
“Impropriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impropriety. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
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