Definitions

unseemly

[uhn-seem-lee] / ʌnˈsim li /

ADJECTIVE

improper; in bad taste

Synonyms

STRONGEST

inappropriate indecent tawdry undignified untoward

WEAK

cheap coarse crude discreditable disreputable in poor taste inapt incorrect indecorous indelicate inelegant inept malapropos malodorous out of keeping out of place poor raffish rough rowdy rude ruffian unapt unbecoming unbefitting ungodly unrefined unsuitable vulgar wrong

Antonyms

STRONGEST

proper suitable

WEAK

appropriate de rigueur due fitting seemly suited

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.

There should be no single, all-powerful character around which a democracy revolves, so it is considered unseemly to lavish excessive finery on the head of state.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Green co-leader Ross Greer accused opponents of "nasty and unseemly" attacks.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

The unseemly representation of necessary, lethal battle as some sort of videogame corrupts our national culture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Which also means that the ways this TikTok deal benefits more unseemly actors aren’t earning proper skepticism from the authorities.

From Slate • Jan. 22, 2026

It would be most unseemly to draw attention to yourself in that way.”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

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