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

Despite the allegations from the last election cycle, both nationally and here in Arizona, no improprieties were found and certainly none made it through multiple levels of our judicial system. —Sam Kmack, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024

Kassan strongly denies any impropriety and claims UTA violated the terms of his employment contract. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 June 2024

This avoids any appearance of bias or impropriety on their part. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 24 June 2024

The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing and strongly denies any suggestion of impropriety in connection with the investigation. —Shant Shahrigian, New York Daily News, 20 May 2024

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

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