Improper — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər/ im·prop·er

Meaning & Definition of Improper

Improper (adjective)

  1. not proper
  2. not in accord with propriety, modesty, good manners, or good taste
  3. not suited to the circumstances, design, or end

Improper (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation

    "an improper use of slang in a formal piece of writing"

    similar: amiss, graceless, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, malapropos, perverse, unapt, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, untoward, wrong, out of place, out of the way
    related: inopportune, unfortunate, unseasonable, untimely, extraneous, immaterial, inapplicable, irrelative, irrelevant, misbecoming, mismatched, incompatible, inconsistent, uncongenial, bad, naughty, sinful, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, banned, barred, disallowed, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed, awkward, gauche, ungraceful, unacceptable, unsatisfactory
    opposite: appropriate, becoming, befitting, correct, decorous, felicitous, fit, fitting, genteel, happy, meet, proper, right, seemly, suitable
    near: fortunate, opportune, seasonable, timely, applicable, apposite, apropos, apt, germane, material, pat, pointed, relative, relevant, compatible, congenial, harmonious, allowed, authorized, permitted, approved, endorsed, kosher, licensed, sanctioned, abetted, encouraged, promoted, supported, acceptable, adequate, all right, decent, fine, OK, passable, respectable, satisfactory, tolerable, commendable, creditable, exemplary, blameless, irreproachable, balanced, companionate, congruous, consonant

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Improper

The most common words with a similar meaning to Improper:

amiss, graceless, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, malapropos, perverse, unapt, unbecoming, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, untoward, wrong, out of place, out of the way

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Improper

Words with the opposite meaning of Improper:

appropriate, becoming, befitting, correct, decorous, felicitous, fit, fitting, genteel, happy, meet, proper, right, seemly, suitable

Related Words for Improper

inopportune, unfortunate, unseasonable, untimely, extraneous, immaterial, inapplicable, irrelative, irrelevant, misbecoming, mismatched, incompatible, inconsistent, uncongenial, bad, naughty, sinful, blamable, blameworthy, censurable, banned, barred, disallowed, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed, awkward, gauche

Near Antonyms of Improper

fortunate, opportune, seasonable, timely, applicable, apposite, apropos, apt, germane, material, pat, pointed, relative, relevant, compatible, congenial, harmonious, allowed, authorized, permitted, approved, endorsed, kosher, licensed, sanctioned, abetted, encouraged, promoted, supported, acceptable

Word Forms of Improper

Derived words: improperly (adverb), improperness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Improper

Middle English, from Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius, from in- + proprius proper

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Improper

improper fraction, improper integral

Frequently Asked Questions about Improper

What does "Improper" mean?

"Improper" means not proper. As an adjective, it is defined as: not proper.

What is another word for "Improper"?

Other words for "Improper" include amiss, graceless, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, incongruous, incorrect and indecorous. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Improper" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Improper"?

There are 55 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Improper". Common alternatives include amiss, graceless, inapposite, inappropriate, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept and infelicitous.

What is the opposite of "Improper"?

Antonyms of "Improper" include appropriate, becoming, befitting, correct, decorous, felicitous, fit and fitting. Near antonyms include fortunate, opportune, seasonable and timely.

How do you use "Improper" in a sentence?

Examples of "Improper" in a sentence: "an improper use of slang in a formal piece of writing".

Is "Improper" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Improper" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Improper"?

"Improper" is pronounced /(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər/ and divided into syllables as im·prop·er.

What is the origin of the word "Improper"?

"Improper" comes from Middle English, from Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius, from in- + proprius proper. First known use: 15th century.