unbecoming

adjective

un·​be·​com·​ing ˌən-bi-ˈkə-miŋ 

: not becoming

an unbecoming dress

especially : not according with the standards appropriate to one's position or condition of life

unbecoming behavior

conduct that is unbecoming an officer = conduct that is unbecoming of/for an officer

unbecomingly

ˌən-bi-ˈkə-miŋ-lē 

adverb

unbecomingness noun

Synonyms of unbecoming

• inappropriate
• unsuitable
• improper
• incorrect
• wrong
• unfit
• unhappy

Choose the Right Synonym for unbecoming

indecorous, improper, unseemly, unbecoming, indelicate mean not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste.

indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

Examples of unbecoming in a Sentence

That color is very unbecoming on her.

boorish behavior that is unbecoming to an officer

Recent Examples on the Web

The reprimands that led to suspension Internal affairs investigators determined Stayton violated two rules during the protest – one for his use of force and another for unbecoming conduct. —Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025

Schiffl, the provost's spokesperson, says the nuns' social media presence is unbecoming of their order and that their superiors take a dim view of it. —Esme Nicholson, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025

This is unbecoming of the office. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025

By their own admission, this leads to a loss of a state religion and an exploration of different possible lifestyles unbecoming of a true American. —Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 14 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unbecoming

• overcoming
• becoming
• forthcoming
• homecoming
• incoming
• oncoming
• shortcoming
• succumbing
• upcoming
• coming
• cumming
• drumming

Kids Definition

unbecoming

adjective

un·​be·​com·​ing ˌən-bi-ˈkəm-iŋ 

: not becoming

an unbecoming dress

especially : unsuitable, improper

unbecoming conduct

unbecomingly adverb