indecorous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "indecorous" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that means "not in keeping with accepted standards of good manners or propriety." For example, "John's behavior at the party was indecorous and he quickly realized he had embarrassed himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The censors' original 43 "grounds for deletion" list from 1916 included several amusingly old-fashioned points, including scenes of "vitriol throwing", "scenes laid in disorderly houses", "vulgar accessories in the staging", "indecorous dancing" and scenes likely to "bring into disrepute British prestige in the Empire".

The Guardian - Film

But thanks to Mr Dewhurst's indecorous attempts to shut up Ms Davis, it's not going to be a quiet passage.

The Economist

They imagined that an entry toll, a penny in the turnstile, would keep the indecorous at bay and ensure that solemn middle-class promenaders could compare their bonnets and parasols in peace.

The Economist

It is flippant, irreverent, indecorous; it may be indecent or obscene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The invariable perfection of diction, unmarred by any indecorous cry from the heart, may sometimes make one doubt the poet's sincerity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

3. Personal attacks and indecorous behaviour are to be avoided in debate (1604): "He that digresseth from the Matter to fall upon the Person ought to be suppressed by the Speaker.…No reviling or nipping words must be used".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indecorous conduct of this kind led to rumours of improper relations between him and Yang Guifei, which have added spice to the later legend, but his position at court depended at least as much on the emperor himself as on his consort.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Were I female and wrapped in clothes terminating above the knee, my exit would have been indecorous.

Independent

Because van Laer and his followers depicted scenes of the Roman lower classes in a humorous or even grotesque fashion, their works were condemned by both court critics and the leading painters of the classicist-idealist school as indecorous and ridiculous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a story of such unbridled teen-age success, with a smile like that, who could possibly be indecorous enough to become the bad guy?

The New Yorker

They contend that the development of a game or a game console is a collaborative effort — that it is indecorous to single out any one contributor, to the exclusion of the others.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indecorous" to describe behavior that violates accepted standards of good manners or propriety, particularly in formal contexts. It is stronger than simply "inappropriate" and suggests a breach of etiquette or decorum.

Common error

Avoid using "indecorous" when a milder term like "inappropriate" or "unsuitable" would suffice. "Indecorous" carries a stronger connotation of impropriety and should be reserved for situations involving a clear breach of decorum.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "indecorous" primarily functions to describe actions, behaviors, or even artistic depictions that violate accepted standards of propriety and good taste. Ludwig AI confirms it as a grammatically correct adjective that suggests a breach of decorum. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from dance to political rhetoric.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indecorous" is an adjective used to describe something that violates accepted standards of good manners and propriety. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalent use in formal contexts, especially within News & Media and Encyclopedias. To use it effectively, reserve "indecorous" for situations with a clear breach of decorum and avoid it when a milder term would suffice. Alternatives like "unseemly" or "improper" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, the term carries a stronger connotation of impropriety than simply "inappropriate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unseemly

Focuses on the inappropriateness of behavior in a specific context.

improper

Emphasizes a violation of established rules or standards.

indecent

Highlights a lack of modesty or moral appropriateness.

inappropriate

Suggests unsuitability for a particular situation or purpose.

ungracious

Implies a lack of politeness and refinement.

tasteless

Indicates a lack of aesthetic judgment or social sensitivity.

vulgar

Emphasizes a lack of refinement and sophistication.

crude

Focuses on a lack of tact and sensitivity.

boorish

Highlights rudeness and a lack of social awareness.

gauche

Suggests a lack of social grace and awareness of etiquette.

FAQs

How can I use "indecorous" in a sentence?

You can use "indecorous" to describe behavior or actions that are not in keeping with accepted standards of good taste or propriety. For instance, "His "indecorous behavior" at the formal dinner shocked the other guests."

What words are similar to "indecorous"?

Similar words include "unseemly", "improper", "indecent", and "inappropriate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

"Indecorous" implies a violation of accepted standards of good manners and propriety, while "inappropriate" simply means unsuitable or out of place. "Indecorous" is a stronger term suggesting a breach of etiquette or decorum, whereas "inappropriate" is more general.

When is it best to use "indecorous" over other similar words?

Use "indecorous" when you want to emphasize that behavior is not only unsuitable but also violates standards of good manners or propriety. It's particularly appropriate in formal contexts where decorum is highly valued.