Definition of unbecomingnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective unbecoming differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of unbecoming are improper, indecorous, indelicate, and unseemly. While all these words mean "not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste," unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

When might improper be a better fit than unbecoming?

The words improper and unbecoming are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

When would indecorous be a good substitute for unbecoming?

The meanings of indecorous and unbecoming largely overlap; however, indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

When could indelicate be used to replace unbecoming?

The synonyms indelicate and unbecoming are sometimes interchangeable, but indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

When is it sensible to use unseemly instead of unbecoming?

While the synonyms unseemly and unbecoming are close in meaning, unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of unbecoming Gena brought me back to my childhood faith – in which compromise was unbecoming, transparency was a virtue, humility was required, and belief was daily practiced. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026 Asashoryu is also remembered as the first yokozuna to be suspended from competition, a consequence of his taking part in a charity soccer match in Mongolia after withdrawing from a sumo tournament because of an injury, a decision seen as unbecoming of a wrestler of his stature. Joshua Hunt, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 There are so many beautiful, colorful clothes in the stores, yet women are often dressed in grays, blacks, whites and sneakers, not to mention yoga pants, pants with holes in them and unbecoming tops. Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 The American pilot and his navigator were tried and found not guilty of involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide, but they were later found guilty of obstruction of justice and conduct unbecoming of an officer for the destruction of a videotape of the incident. Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unbecoming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unbecoming
Adjective
  • In a recent speech, Thomas tied the nation’s highest ideals to a conservative vision of limited government — and launched a broadside on progressivism seen by critics as unfair and inappropriate.
    Lindsay Whitehurst, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • The complaint mentioned that the head coach had maintained an inappropriate relationship with a UAB student-athlete, which included the coach allegedly sleeping at the player's residence on different occasions.
    Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The team found that several 2D materials praised for their electronic properties may become unsuitable once they are built into real devices.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Lara’s pre-operative test results were abnormal, and revealed clear signs of keratoconus, making LASIK unsuitable.
    Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Disease is more likely on plants weakened by stress, poor nutrition, sunburn, pests or improper pruning.
    Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • Agents need data to function, and silos both limit utility and elevate the risk of improper access.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The part where there's a problem is the FIFA president spreading incorrect information about ticket prices while standing to benefit a great deal from higher costs.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
  • Low-quality over-the-counter (OTC) products, incorrect dose, or decreased absorption can be a few reasons.
    Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • Wallace and her collaborators scrambled to get into the water; the whale was swimming in the wrong direction, toward some docks.
    Jessica Camille Aguirre, New Yorker, 2 May 2026
  • What most people get wrong is conflating the theme of the exhibition with the dress code for the evening.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • In October, the judge found that Conner was mentally unfit to testify in person at trial and allowed the recorded testimony, even though defense attorneys will not be able to cross-examine him in front of the jury.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026
  • More than two years later, the trial concluded with 25 of 28 defendants being found guilty (of those not found guilty, two had died during the trial and another was declared mentally unfit for trial).
    USA Today, USA Today, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • There were also rumblings that Banchero was unhappy with Mosley, which began as early as November and continued throughout the season.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 May 2026
  • People are unhappy on a grand scale.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Unbecoming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unbecoming. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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