as in inappropriate
not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation
boorish behavior that is unbecoming to an officer
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Recent Examples of unbecoming
Curtsies, snubs, sleights and behavior becoming (or unbecoming) of a Regency woman must pass a certain muster, because the world of the play is dependent upon dramaturgical accuracy.
—
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025
An investigation found that the detective, whose brother Brian Albert owned the home where John O'Keefe's body was found, behaved in a way that was unbecoming of a police officer and violated department policies about alcohol consumption or possession on the job.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 14 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for unbecoming
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025
An investigation found that the detective, whose brother Brian Albert owned the home where John O'Keefe's body was found, behaved in a way that was unbecoming of a police officer and violated department policies about alcohol consumption or possession on the job.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 14 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for unbecoming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbecoming
Adjective
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The bill contained a number of measures meant to protect the immigrant community from inappropriate and unlawful stops, searches and detainment and a call to adopt model policies for the state.—
Bobby Zirkin,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Jan. 2026
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No Epstein survivor or associate has ever made a public allegation of wrongdoing or inappropriate behavior by the former president or his wife in connection with his prior relationship with Epstein.—
Lauren Peller,
ABC News,
14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Soils that are high in peat moss are unsuitable for citrus trees.—
Derek Carwood,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Jan. 2026
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These tests, though frequently used in Denmark as part of child protection investigations, were criticized as inappropriate and unsuitable for the people of Greenland and other minorities.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Typically, the inspector general investigates schemes defrauding Medicare, improper payments -- such as to insurance companies to cover Medicaid members who had died -- and whether states are doing adequate oversight of providers in their borders.—
Meg Wingerter,
Denver Post,
6 Jan. 2026
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Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg is also looking into the issue, initially identifying nearly 1,000 potentially improper PPP loans involving city employees.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Duplicate collections, wrong dates, incorrect creditor names or accounts listed as unpaid when they were settled are all valid reasons to file a dispute.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
14 Jan. 2026
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The problem of incorrect citations and false legal statements, which attorneys suspect were written by AI tools, appears to be growing, said Felix De La Torre, general counsel for PERB.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The candidacy challenge contends that Wilcox used the wrong form to file for office in December and left off information that was required.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
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An Amazon driver accompanied by her 16-year-old son came under fire after accidentally stopping at the wrong house in rural North Carolina, according to investigators.—
Mark Price,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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To receive one of these designations from a doctor in this era was to be marked as unfit for society and a candidate for potential institution and sterilization.—
Miles Klee,
Rolling Stone,
6 Dec. 2025
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Families of victims, human rights defenders and international bodies such as the UN have criticized the commissions for a lack of transparency, for being ineffective and ultimately unfit for delivering accountability.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
30 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This is a no-win situation because one of us will end up unhappy.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
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The automaker spent much of the year undoing decisions made by the previous CEO, Carlos Tavares, who resigned at the end of 2024, as stakeholders in the company — from dealers to union rank and file — were upset with him and unhappy with his leadership.—
Liam Rappleye,
USA Today,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Unbecoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbecoming. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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