highly improper

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly improper" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe behavior, language, or actions that are not socially acceptable or considered morally wrong. Example: His comment at the meeting was highly improper and offended many of his colleagues.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"I would not describe it as highly improper".

The New York Times

The meeting that Stewart writes never took place was highly improper.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, in fact, Eriksson told me, a C.I.D. man attending the sessions assured him that this was highly improper.

The New Yorker

"Highly improper and a blatant conflict of interest," Mr. Markowitz and Mr. Hansen wrote of Mr. DiFrancesco's action.

The New York Times

After all, it would be HIGHLY improper for a sitting president to use his position to order intrusive actions against individual citizens solely for vindictive purposes.

The Guardian

"We think it is highly improper if, as reported, the president of Harvard has been expressing to members of the faculty his 'deep dissatisfaction' with the dean of arts and sciences.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

- As if it was ever under doubt, college football in Arkansas is now officially more important than God: Fans of AU are asking for the school's athletic director to follow the example of Christ and forgive former coach Bobby Petrino, who was fired after he was caught having a highly-improper affair with an employee 26 years his junior.

Vice

Onto the roundup! - As if it was ever under doubt, college football in Arkansas is now officially more important than God: Fans of AU are asking for the school's athletic director to follow the example of Christ and forgive former coach Bobby Petrino, who was fired after he was caught having a highly-improper affair with an employee 26 years his junior.

Vice

Alfred S. Regnery, the Justice Department lawyer to whom the letter was addressed, called it "highly irregular" and "improper," because Pacific and Mr. Watt were at least technically opposing parties in the case.

The New York Times

Officials at the White House, meanwhile, are seeking periodic updates on the decisions being reached in some of the the most prominent criminal investigations -- a development that, while not improper, is highly unusual, lawyers said.

The New York Times

"Involvement of a high-ranking member of the royal family in politics, in any way, is against the nation's traditions, customs and culture and is therefore considered improper and highly inappropriate," the king said in a royal communiqué on Feb. 8.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly improper", ensure the context clearly establishes the violated standard or expectation. The stronger the shared understanding of the standard, the more impactful the phrase becomes.

Common error

Avoid using "highly improper" in casual conversation. Its formality can sound stilted or sarcastic, diminishing its impact when needed in serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly improper" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that deviates significantly from established standards of conduct or ethics. As Ludwig AI indicates, it conveys a strong sense of disapproval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly improper" is a versatile adjective phrase used to express strong disapproval of actions that violate ethical or social norms. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in written English. Analysis of the search data reveals that it is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, with some presence in scientific and academic writing. While "utterly inappropriate", "blatantly unethical" and "grossly inappropriate" serve as potential substitutes, "highly improper" provides a specific emphasis on the failure to adhere to established standards and conventions. When deployed strategically, particularly in formal writing, this phrase makes communication more precise and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly inappropriate

Emphasizes the complete lack of suitability or fittingness.

blatantly unethical

Highlights the obvious and egregious violation of moral principles.

patently unacceptable

Stresses the clear and undeniable nature of the action being not allowed.

grossly inappropriate

Indicates a severe level of unsuitability and offensiveness.

thoroughly reprehensible

Focuses on the deserving of strong condemnation for its wrongfulness.

absolutely out of line

Indicates the action has crossed established boundaries of acceptable behavior.

completely beyond the pale

Suggests the behavior is so unacceptable as to be outside the bounds of decency.

downright scandalous

Emphasizes the shocking and disgraceful nature of the conduct.

wholly unprofessional

Indicates a complete lack of conduct expected in a professional setting.

totally uncalled for

Highlights the action was unnecessary and without justification.

FAQs

How can I use "highly improper" in a sentence?

Use "highly improper" to describe actions or behaviors that significantly violate established norms or ethical standards. For example: "The CEO's actions were considered "highly improper" and led to his resignation."

What are some alternatives to saying "highly improper"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "utterly inappropriate", "blatantly unethical", or "grossly inappropriate". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the severity and nature of the impropriety.

When is it appropriate to use "highly improper" instead of "improper"?

"Highly improper" should be used when you want to emphasize the egregious nature of the impropriety. It suggests a more severe deviation from accepted standards than simply "improper".

What distinguishes "highly improper" from "illegal"?

"Highly improper" describes actions that violate ethical or social norms, while "illegal" refers to actions prohibited by law. Something can be "highly improper" without being illegal, and vice versa, though the two can certainly overlap.