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 medicine

c

: not regularly or normally formed or not properly so called

d

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

improper inference

improperly adverb

improperness noun

Synonyms

• amiss
• graceless
• inapposite
• inappropriate
• inapt
• incongruous
• incorrect
• indecorous
• inept
• infelicitous
• malapropos
• perverse
• unapt
• unbecoming
• unfit
• unhappy
• unseemly
• unsuitable
• untoward
• wrong

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

Also check into the warranty and the return policy since improper care can void the warranty. —Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025

The restaurant was using improper procedures when using time as a public health control. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025

Most of the improper payments in 2022 were due to unintentional mistakes by state workers or households, rather than intentional fraud, according to an analysis of the data by the left-leaning Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. —Stephen Fowler, NPR, 9 May 2025

And while ear piercing is generally safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) lists several adverse outcomes to improper piercing and piercing care, such as infection at the piercing site, bloodstream infections, allergic reactions, cuts and tears, and keloid formation. —Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 May 2025

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