unseemly

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparableformalold-fashioned

   Not suitable or polite for the occasion, and likely to make others disapprove.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb: unseemly haste, or it seemed unseemly.

   Patterns

   • it is unseemly to do something
   • unseemly for someone to do something

   Shouting at the referee seemed unseemly for a coach.

   It would be unseemly to celebrate while others are grieving.

   The heirs' unseemly quarrel upset the whole family.

2. 2adjectivecomparableformal

   Showing poor taste or a lack of dignity, especially in hurried or greedy behavior.

   Grammar: Often placed before nouns like haste, scramble or display.

   Patterns

   • unseemly haste
   • unseemly scramble

   The guests made an unseemly rush for the buffet.

   The senator's unseemly gloating drew criticism.

   There was an unseemly scramble for the best seats.

Word forms

Common combinations

unseemly behavior

The committee condemned the unseemly behavior at the party.

unseemly haste

They sold the house with unseemly haste.

seem unseemly

Laughing at the funeral would seem unseemly.

unseemly argument

An unseemly argument broke out at the wedding.

Synonyms and how they differ

improper

Improper is a general word for anything not allowed or correct, while unseemly concerns manners and taste.

indecorous

Indecorous is more formal and rarer, and also stresses a breach of good manners.

inappropriate

Inappropriate is the everyday word and is less judgmental than unseemly.

undignified

Undignified focuses on how an action makes the person look foolish.

Opposites

Word family

seemly adjective

proper and in good taste

unseemliness noun

the quality of being improper

seem verb

to give the impression of being

seemliness noun

propriety

Commonly confused: unseemly or unseen?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “unseemly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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