Meaning & use

improper

adjective·Academic

Not in accordance with accepted standards of behavior, correctness, or propriety.

See it in a sentence

Wearing shorts to the formal dinner was considered improper.

The audit found improper use of company funds for personal expenses.

A note on using this word

Improper often carries a hint of impropriety or minor wrongdoing beyond simple incorrectness.

Words with a similar meaning

inappropriateunsuitable

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

properappropriate

Make it your own

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