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
The California Governor’s Office, in both cases, denied any impropriety.
—
Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026
But, whatever the ultimate outcome may be, whether in front of this Court or any other, someone, somewhere will allege impropriety in the result.
—Justin Williams, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Some of his colleagues have questioned whether his alleged impropriety should be addressed by the city’s ethics commission rather than a jury.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
There was no legal impropriety.
—Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
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Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 4 Feb. 2026
But, whatever the ultimate outcome may be, whether in front of this Court or any other, someone, somewhere will allege impropriety in the result.
—Justin Williams, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
Some of his colleagues have questioned whether his alleged impropriety should be addressed by the city’s ethics commission rather than a jury.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
There was no legal impropriety.
—Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
Cite this Entry
“Impropriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impropriety. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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