improper

/ɪmˈprɑpər/

/ɪmˈprɒpə/

Improper words and actions are inappropriate. They're not suited to the occasion or done in polite company. They’re just not proper!

Surprise! Improper is the opposite of proper. Something that’s improper goes against what people think is right. This could be a matter of politeness. For example, not giving up your seat for an elderly person is improper. Or it could be more serious, like going to school with no pants on. It could also be something uncool like meeting your best friend’s boyfriend for coffee without telling her. All improper things are wrong in someone's eyes.

Definitions of improper

1. adjective

   not suitable or right or appropriate
   “improper medication”

   “improper attire for the golf course”

   synonyms:

   inappropriate

   not suitable for a particular occasion etc

   indecent

   offensive to good taste especially in sexual matters

   indecorous, indelicate

   lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct

   unfit

   below the required standards for a purpose

   indecent, indecorous, unbecoming, uncomely, unseemly, untoward

   not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

   out-of-the-way

   improper or even offensive

   incorrect, wrong

   not in accord with established usage or procedure

   wrong

   contrary to conscience or morality or law

   antonyms:

   proper

   marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

   appropriate

   suitable for a particular person, place, condition, etc.

   correct, right

   free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth

   decent

   conforming to conventions of sexual behavior

   decorous

   characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct

   becoming, comely, comme il faut, decent, decorous, seemly

   according with custom or propriety

   correct, right

   socially right or correct

   correct, right

   in accord with accepted standards of usage or procedure

   fitting

   in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion

   halal

   proper or legitimate

   kosher

   proper or legitimate

   priggish, prim, prissy, prudish, puritanical, square-toed, straight-laced, straightlaced, strait-laced, straitlaced, tight-laced, victorian

   exaggeratedly proper

   right

   in conformance with justice or law or morality
2. adjective

   not appropriate for a purpose or occasion
   synonyms: wrong

   inappropriate

   not suitable for a particular occasion etc
3. adjective

   not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention
   “improper banking practices”

   synonyms: unconventional, unlawful

   irregular

   contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice