impropriety
noun
im·pro·pri·e·ty
ˌim-p(r)ə-ˈprī-ə-tē 
plural improprieties
1
: an improper or indecorous act or remark
especially
: an unacceptable use of a word or of language
2
: the quality or state of being improper
Examples of impropriety in a Sentence
He has a reputation for impropriety.
The judge excused herself from the case to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
She was shocked by the young man's impropriety.
She was shocked by the impropriety of his behavior.
He has been accused of financial improprieties.
Recent Examples on the Web
The duty of loyalty also extends to refraining from actions that might compromise objective judgment or create even the appearance of impropriety.
—
True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Colorado legislature passes gun control bill requiring training before purchase for certain firearms
The appearance of impropriety — of greased palms — was part of the motivation for the initial ban on lobbyist giving, said Doug Friednash, a former legislator who introduced the policy back in 1993.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2025
In it, the board categorically denied all allegations of impropriety with regard to the Open Meetings Act, claiming no harm was caused to the plaintiffs by anything the board did or failed to do.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
The Everett City Council unanimously voted no confidence in Mayor Carlo DeMaria after a Massachusetts Inspector General report found that the city had overpaid him $180,000 and leveled claims of impropriety by DeMaria and his administration regarding the payments.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
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.
True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Colorado legislature passes gun control bill requiring training before purchase for certain firearms
The appearance of impropriety — of greased palms — was part of the motivation for the initial ban on lobbyist giving, said Doug Friednash, a former legislator who introduced the policy back in 1993.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2025
In it, the board categorically denied all allegations of impropriety with regard to the Open Meetings Act, claiming no harm was caused to the plaintiffs by anything the board did or failed to do.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
The Everett City Council unanimously voted no confidence in Mayor Carlo DeMaria after a Massachusetts Inspector General report found that the city had overpaid him $180,000 and leveled claims of impropriety by DeMaria and his administration regarding the payments.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
Cite this Entry
“Impropriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impropriety. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share