improper

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "improper" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is wrong or unacceptable according to accepted standards and norms. For example, "It is improper to use foul language in a professional setting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wikipedia says that "sock-puppetry" – creating a fake online identity "for an improper purpose, such as to mislead other editors, disrupt discussions, distort consensus or avoid sanctions" – is not permitted.

The Guardian

If a country is found to have been illegally allowing state aid to favour the businesses, the company will be forced to return the improper gains to the national coffers.

The Guardian

Gordon Brown said in a statement that he had been vindicated since it showed he had put no improper pressure on the executive.

The Guardian

"You were motivated by nothing more than just personal greed to try and secure an improper outcome," Watson said.

The Guardian

The aide claimed Bachmann made improper payments to an Iowa politician who was the state chairman of her 2012 presidential campaign.

The Guardian

And as far as the FA itself is concerned, charges of improper conduct and of bringing the game into disrepute will inevitably and swiftly follow tonight's events.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course all suggestions of improper behaviour by police have to be rigorously investigated but the current froth of comment impinges upon the integrity of most police officers, regardless of rank, which is unfair and unjustified.

The Guardian

Regarding the allegations of improper leafleting, Khan said she did not recognise the filmed person.

The Guardian

In the end the Blues board had to make the call on Malthouse – you can't have the figurehead of the club going rogue on breakfast radio, not to mention accusing club officials and a former player of improper conduct in trade negotiations – but the club can't take the moral high ground here.

The Guardian - Sport

There is no suggestion that Mr Saffron facilitated or engaged in invalid voting practices and the Walkley Foundation cannot be certain that the vote was attended by improper conduct.

The Guardian

These could cause endless delay without there being any substantive basis for the claims of improper decision making," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "improper", ensure that the context clearly indicates which standard or rule is being violated. For instance, specify whether the behavior is "improper" according to professional ethics, legal regulations, or social norms.

Common error

Avoid using "improper" without specifying the standard of conduct being violated. This can make your statement seem subjective or unclear. Instead, clarify whether the action is legally "improper", ethically "improper", or socially "improper".

Linguistic Context

The word "improper" functions primarily as an adjective. It is used to describe something that is not in accordance with established rules, standards, or norms. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests a deviation from what is considered correct, suitable, or ethical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "improper" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that deviates from established standards of conduct, legality, or ethics. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed to express disapproval. As a descriptor, it frequently appears in contexts such as News & Media and Formal & Business. Its usage ranges from indicating minor social faux pas to serious legal or ethical violations. Alternatives such as "inappropriate" or "unethical" can be used depending on the context to offer a more nuanced understanding. When using "improper", it's crucial to clarify the specific standard being violated to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriate

Focuses on the unsuitability of something in a particular context.

unethical

Emphasizes a violation of moral principles.

unacceptable

Highlights that something does not meet the required standards.

indecent

Refers to behavior that is offensive to common standards of decency.

wrongful

Indicates something is unjust or illegal.

irregular

Highlights deviation from what is normal or expected.

unfitting

Emphasizes that something is not suitable or appropriate.

illicit

Suggests something is forbidden by law, rules, or custom.

out of line

Indicates behavior that exceeds the limits of what is considered acceptable.

amiss

Suggests that something is out of order or not quite right.

FAQs

How can I use "improper" in a sentence?

You can use "improper" to describe something that's not suitable, correct, or morally acceptable. For example, "The politician was accused of "improper use of funds"" or "It is "improper to speak loudly" in a library".

What's the difference between "improper" and "inappropriate"?

"Improper" often implies a violation of rules, laws, or moral standards, while "inappropriate" suggests something is unsuitable for a particular situation. You might say something is "improper" if it's illegal, but only "inappropriate" if it's just socially awkward or ill-timed.

Which is correct: "improper" or "unproper"?

"Improper" is the correct term. "Unproper" is not a standard word in English.

What can I say instead of "improper"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "inappropriate", "unethical", or "unacceptable". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.