Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective unbecoming differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unbecoming are improper, indecorous, indelicate, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When might improper be a better fit than unbecoming?

The words improper and unbecoming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When would indecorous be a good substitute for unbecoming?

The meanings of indecorous and unbecoming largely overlap; however, indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When could indelicate be used to replace unbecoming?

The synonyms indelicate and unbecoming are sometimes interchangeable, but indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

When is it sensible to use unseemly instead of unbecoming?

While the synonyms unseemly and unbecoming are close in meaning, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unbecoming 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 This behavior is utterly unbecoming of a citizen, let alone a member of Congress. Julia Mueller, The Hill, 14 May 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 See All Example Sentences for unbecoming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbecoming
Adjective
  • The girl also reported seeing inappropriate images on the screensaver of an iPad at Berrelez’s home.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Judge Arun Subramanian noted the tone of the defense's letter was inappropriate and should not be done again.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Kirill Clark, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Financial promotion rules prevent inappropriate marketing to unsuitable investors.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • According to a study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment in 2024, up to 70% of current wine-producing regions could become unsuitable for growing grapes if global temperatures rise by more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
    Miguel A. Torres, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This investigation suggests that some treasury company activity may involve improper information sharing or insider trading rather than genuine institutional adoption.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Another major violation would be improper cooling.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In April, the sheriff disclosed further issues, including incorrect citation numbers and amounts.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Aerating in the incorrect season could have negative consequences for your lawn.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s something wrong with them right away.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Mike McDaniel said Wright did nothing wrong, but Miami needed more bodies on defense and special teams.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gostisbehere, Carolina’s best offensive defenseman, being unfit for the top four adds to that pressure.
    The Athletic NHL, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
  • He was deemed unfit to stand trial, and spent the next 11 years in psychiatric hospitals.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Smart, much like Georgia’s fan base, is pretty unhappy after yet another loss to Alabama.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • While there are reasons to be unhappy with the performance, each win in the NFL is hard to get.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Unbecoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbecoming. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unbecoming

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