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

Synonyms of impropriety

• unfitness
• inappropriateness
• disrespect
• unseemliness
• incorrectness

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

An attorney for Eastman had countered that his client wasn't trying to steal the election but was considering ways to delay electoral vote counting so states could investigate allegations of voting improprieties. —ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026

Vrabel previously denied any allegation of impropriety. —Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 14 Apr. 2026

The Sheer Maxi Dress Consider this Chanel dress, embroidered with floral appliqués that distract the eye from the body beneath, as proof that nearly sheer dresses needn’t amount to impropriety. —Chloé Versabeau, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2026

Swalwell was was not accused of impropriety. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French or Late Latin; French impropriété, from Late Latin improprietat-, improprietas, from Latin improprius

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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