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Definitions

improper

[im-prop-er] / ɪmˈprɒp ər /
ADJECTIVE
not suitable
Synonyms
STRONGEST
awkward erroneous false ill-advised imprudent inaccurate inadmissible inappropriate incorrect irregular unwarranted wrong
WEAK
abnormal at odds bad form discordant discrepant ill-timed inadvisable inapplicable inapposite inapt incongruous inexpedient infelicitous inharmonious inopportune ludicrous malapropos odd off-base out of place out-of-season preposterous unapt unbefitting uncalled-for uncomely undue unfit unfitting unseasonable unsuitable unsuited untimely
Antonyms
STRONGEST
OK acceptable accurate appropriate correct honest reasonable right suitable true valid wise
WEAK
de rigueur decent fitting formal good moral proper uncorrupt
ADJECTIVE
vulgar, immoral
Synonyms
STRONGEST
indecent unethical unjust unseemly untoward wrong wrongful
WEAK
blue dirty impolite indecorous indelicate lewd malodorous naughty risqué rough salacious suggestive unbecoming unconventional unequitable ungodly unrighteous unrightful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
acceptable appropriate decent ethical fair good honest just moral proper right suitable
WEAK
correct fitting formal uncorrupt

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He writes of how this generation “found joy in music that was … portrayed as improper and immoral by highbrow elites.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Powell challenged the effort in a behind-closed-doors legal battle, and a federal judge ruled the subpoenas improper.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

The full improper payments figure reported for 2025 came to $186 billion, but that included at least $10 billion in underpayments as well.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

Moreover, the company accused Erasca of drawing improper comparisons between preclinical data for ERAS-0015 and daraxonrasib.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

It was improper for a servant to sit with a lady as tho’ they were companions, but she asked me direct, so I sat myself in the chair that was close to the fire.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson

Vocabulary lists containing improper

CTE Construction ("Core Curriculum: Introductory Craft Skills,") Vocabulary from Module One

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im-

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Way Off: Synonyms for "Wrong"

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