indecorous

adjective

in·​de·​co·​rous (ˌ)in-ˈde-k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce indecorous (audio)
ˌin-di-ˈkȯr-əs
: not decorous : conflicting with accepted standards of good conduct or good taste
indecorously adverb
indecorousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for indecorous

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 indecorous in a Sentence

an indecorous joke for a solemn moment in the marriage ceremony
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The massive tag is gone now but something just as indecorous seems likely to replace it. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 With round-the-clock musicians, magicians, comedians, blue men and white Bengal tigers, the Strip became the premier global destination not just for indecorous gambling, but also for family-friendly entertainment. Chris Carra, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin indecorus, from in- + decorus decorous

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indecorous was in 1668

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indecorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indecorous. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

indecorous

adjective
in·​de·​co·​rous (ˈ)in-ˈdek-ə-rəs How to pronounce indecorous (audio)
ˌin-di-ˈkōr-əs,
-ˈkȯr-
: not proper or in good taste : unbecoming
indecorous behavior
indecorously adverb
indecorousness noun

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