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 conduct

unbecomingly

ˌən-bi-ˈkə-miŋ-lē 

adverb

unbecomingness noun

Synonyms

• 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 folks at Fox (News) are like, ‘Oh, this is so unbecoming of a governor. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025

While being a glory hog is unbecoming, business leaders need to communicate their AI plans, processes and goals to increase trust—in their leadership and plans—and ensure adoption at scale within their organization. —Daniel Ramsey, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Cumulatively, these allegations constitute conduct unbecoming of an officer — a removable offense. —Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025

When caterpillars retreat to their cocoons, part of the process of transformation can be aesthetically unbecoming and grotesque. —Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 9 Apr. 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