improper

adjective

im·​prop·​er (ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər 

: not proper: such as

a

: not in accord with propriety, modesty, good manners, or good taste

improper language

b

: not suited to the circumstances, design, or end

improper dress/attire

an improper diet

an improper diagnosis

c

: not regularly or normally formed or not properly so called

d

: not in accord with fact, truth, or right procedure : incorrect

improper inference

improper use of public land

specifically : in violation of a constitution

denial of trial by jury was held improper

improperly adverb

improperness noun

Synonyms of improper

• inappropriate
• unsuitable
• incorrect
• wrong
• unfit
• unhappy

Choose the Right Synonym for improper

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 improper in a Sentence

The doctor gave him an improper diagnosis.

They claim to have evidence of improper police conduct.

improper use of public land

This is an improper diet for a growing teenager.

It would be improper for me to ask such a favor of her.

He made some improper remarks.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kim Bimestefer has come under fire for hundreds of millions of dollars of fraudulent or improper payments to providers. —Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026

Still, workers have some concerns, including missing overtime payments and having an improper amount of taxes withheld, AFGE TSA Council 100 President Hydrick Thomas said in a statement Monday afternoon. —Holly Yan, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026

What the report found In response to the allegations in Minnesota, Abbott issued six directives to the state workforce and human services commissions to identify if Texas had a problem with improper payments, specifically with fraud. —Jess Huff, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026

Manufacturers, though, don’t have to comply if the breakdown is the result of neglect or improper modifications made by the consumer. —Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius, from in- + proprius proper

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing improper

• improper fraction
• improper integral

Rhymes for improper

• eavesdropper
• grasshopper
• leafhopper
• sharecropper
• chopper
• copper
• cropper
• dropper
• pauper
• popper
• proper
• shopper

Kids Definition

improper

adjective

im·​prop·​er (ˈ)im-ˈpräp-ər 

: not proper, right, or suitable

improperly adverb

Legal Definition

improper

adjective

im·​prop·​er

: not proper: as

a

: not in accord with correct procedure

an improper venue

b

: wrongful

specifically : in violation of a constitution

the denial of trial by jury was held improper

improperly adverb