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 There were a lot of memorable performances and moments for the Blue Jackets, who bounced back quickly after having their seven-game point streak snapped in a rather unbecoming outing Monday against the New York Islanders. Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 There is no denying that Donald Trump has engaged in behavior that is unacceptable and unbecoming of any leader — let alone a president of the United States. Maggie Astor, BostonGlobe.com, 18 Sep. 2023 The sheriff’s internal review of the Floyd meme concluded that Ritchie engaged in unbecoming conduct, immoral conduct and discrimination. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Nov. 2022 This dog-run infighting is unbecoming in the presence of a dog that was once painted by Edgar Degas. Curbed, 20 July 2022 See All Example Sentences for unbecoming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbecoming
Adjective
  • Production on the star's prior film, Being Mortal, was suspended by Searchlight Pictures in 2022 after a staffer filed a complaint against actor Bill Murray, alleging inappropriate behavior.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
  • While Roblox has filters and moderation, kids can still be exposed to inappropriate language, scams, or unsafe conversations.
    Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The concern expressed is that people are turning to AI for mental health advice and do not realize that (presumably) AI is unsuitable for that purpose.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The drastic drop in performance from the 2022 season points to the idea that the current generation of cars is unsuitable for the Briton.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The prosecutor will ultimately decide whether the parents will be charged with improper storage and safekeeping of firearms or other potential crimes, Cappetto noted.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
  • However, there is consumer protection for defective merchandise or an improper charge.
    Mary Luquette, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Shopping for a new kitchen sink can be daunting since an incorrect decision can be expensive.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • An error occurred during the issuance of the test certificates due to incorrect entry of IP addresses.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Parasite The first non-English language film to win a Best Picture Oscar, Bong Joon-ho's Parasite centers on the Kims, who live on the wrong side of the tracks in Seoul, South Korea.
    Emy LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Joveljic stepped up and placed the penalty kick into his right-hand corner, while goalkeeper Brad Stuver dove the wrong way.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • On the flip side, O’Regan said, physically fit people with obesity had a ‘younger’ cardiovascular age than unfit people.
    Kristen Fischer, Health, 28 Aug. 2025
  • For instance, not spending time with the children, using overly harsh or inappropriate discipline, undermining the other parent’s authority or showing a lack of interest in the children’s lives can make a partner seem like an unfit parent, and consequently, an unfit partner.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Both Ways on Netflix The Lovebirds In the 2020 adventure comedy The Lovebirds, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani play an unhappy couple on the brink of splitting up.
    James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
  • But surveys have also shown many reservists are unhappy with the cabinet's plans, some openly accusing the government of lacking a cohesive strategy, a post-war plan for Gaza or a clear benchmark for victory.
    Emily Rose, USA Today, 3 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 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on unbecoming

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