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
especially : an unacceptable use of a word or of language
2
: the quality or state of being improper

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.
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 The bill for all that impropriety will exceed $27 billion this year. Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, in the servants’ quarters, the longtime head butler Carson (Jim Carter) is set to retire — decades of raising one’s eyebrows at so many shocking examples of impropriety will leave a gentleman exhausted. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 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

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impropriety was in 1607

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Cite this Entry

“Impropriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impropriety. Accessed 8 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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