impropriety

noun

im·​pro·​pri·​e·​ty ˌim-p(r)ə-ˈprī-ə-tē 

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

Synonyms

• inappropriateness
• incorrectness
• indecency
• indecorousness
• indecorum
• indelicateness
• unbecomingness
• unfitness
• unseemliness
• untowardness

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

The appearance of impropriety, or worse, is too great. —Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025

While the attorney was unsuccessful in getting Walton’s interrogation thrown out, other allegations of impropriety by detectives had not been fully litigated by the time the plea deal was reached, court records show. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 10 June 2025

Now Jared Leto stands accused of impropriety by nine women Six years ago this summer, Jared Leto’s followers descended on Mars Island, a private resort off the coast of Croatia. —Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 7 June 2025

Nine women accused the actor and Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman of impropriety in an Air Mail story published on Friday. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 June 2025

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

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