IMPROPER
Dictionary entry overview: What does improper mean?
• IMPROPER (adjective)
The adjective IMPROPER has 3 senses:
1. not suitable or right or appropriate
2. not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention
3. not appropriate for a purpose or occasion
Familiarity information: IMPROPER used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
• IMPROPER (adjective)
Meaning:
Not suitable or right or appropriate
Context examples:
slightly improper to dine alone with a married man / improper medication
Similar:
wrong (not in accord with established usage or procedure)
out-of-the-way (improper or even offensive)
indecent; indecorous; unbecoming; uncomely; unseemly; untoward (not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society)
Also:
wrong (contrary to conscience or morality or law)
unfit (below the required standards for a purpose)
indecorous; indelicate (lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct)
indecent (offensive to good taste especially in sexual matters)
incorrect; wrong (not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth)
inappropriate (not suitable for a particular occasion etc)
Attribute:
correctitude; properness; propriety (correct or appropriate behavior)
Antonym:
proper (marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness)
Meaning:
Not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention
Synonyms:
unlawful; improper; unconventional
Context examples:
an unconventional marriage / improper banking practices
Similar:
irregular (contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice)
Meaning:
Not appropriate for a purpose or occasion
Synonyms:
improper; wrong; unsuitable
Context examples:
unsuitable attire for the office / said all the wrong things
Similar:
inappropriate (not suitable for a particular occasion etc)
