unbecoming

[uhn-bi-kuhm-ing] / ˌʌn bɪˈkʌm ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

improper, unsuitable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

indecent unflattering unseemly untoward

WEAK

awkward clumsy discreditable gauche ill-suited inappropriate inapt incongruous indecorous indelicate inept maladroit malapropos offensive rough salacious tacky tasteless unattractive unbefitting uncomely undue unfair unfit unfitting ungodly unhandsome unlovely unseasonable unsightly unsuited untimely unworthy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

proper

WEAK

acceptable becoming fitting seemly suitable

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.

The secretary issued a “letter of censure” against Sen. Kelly “for conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline in the armed forces and conduct unbecoming an officer.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

“It’s unbecoming of the office in which you represent.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2025

Rather than being reported to the police the incident was recorded as "inappropriate behaviour unbecoming of a warrant officer".

From BBC • Sep. 8, 2025

We’ve become desensitized to the ritual by now, but slobbering over an elected official—of any stripe—is, and always will be, unbecoming.

From Slate • Mar. 8, 2025

“It is unbecoming to a soldier, all this book-learning,” Pickett said haughtily.

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara

Vocabulary lists containing unbecoming

"Macbeth" Vocabulary from Act III

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"Ulysses" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

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