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
There was no legal impropriety.
—
Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
And yet, allegations of financial impropriety have continued to mount.
—Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Much of the reportage in subsequent days focused on the impropriety of a president’s naming a military program after himself.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
But in a public letter announcing the withdrawal of funds from Natcast, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick implied impropriety on the part of organization, its CEO—IEEE Frederik Philips Award winner Dierdre Hanford—and other experts involved in its creation.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
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.
Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
And yet, allegations of financial impropriety have continued to mount.
—Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Much of the reportage in subsequent days focused on the impropriety of a president’s naming a military program after himself.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026
But in a public letter announcing the withdrawal of funds from Natcast, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick implied impropriety on the part of organization, its CEO—IEEE Frederik Philips Award winner Dierdre Hanford—and other experts involved in its creation.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Dec. 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 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
