is unbecoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unbecoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe behavior or actions that are inappropriate or not suitable for a person, often in a formal or critical context. Example: "His rude comments during the meeting are unbecoming of a leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Begging me to write is unbecoming.

The New York Times

"His conduct is unbecoming of a member of Congress".

The New York Times

The churlishness is unbecoming in a Labour MP but also ludicrous.

Independent

It is "unbecoming" to do so right after the cataclysm in Colorado, Mr. Scarborough said.

The New York Times

Pride plays a role, too it is unbecoming for a potential superpower to have outsourced vital economic functions.

The Economist

The close relationship that the merger underscores between the Bank of Italy and Banca di Roma is unbecoming.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Still, some angles are unbecoming.

The New York Times - Books

Offstage his conduct was unbecoming.

The New York Times - Books

"I thought they were unbecoming.

The Guardian

In her realisation, she dares to be true to herself, to love, to be unbecoming.

The Guardian

Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, said: "Sir Malcolm's personal attack on Simon Jenkins was unbecoming.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unbecoming" to express that certain behavior or appearance clashes with expectations or standards, particularly in formal contexts. For example, "Such conduct is unbecoming of a public official."

Common error

Avoid using "is unbecoming" in casual conversations. It sounds overly formal or even pretentious in informal settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "isn't right" or "doesn't look good" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unbecoming" functions as a predicative expression, linking a subject to an adjective that describes it as inappropriate or unsuitable. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and commonly used. It's often employed to express disapproval of actions that violate expected norms or standards, as seen in examples like "His conduct is unbecoming of a member of Congress."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unbecoming" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote that something is inappropriate or unsuitable, particularly in formal contexts. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and serves to highlight deviations from accepted standards. Its usage spans across various domains, with a primary presence in news and media. When aiming for a less formal tone, alternatives such as "is inappropriate" or "is unseemly" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inappropriate

Directly replaces "unbecoming" with a more common synonym.

is unseemly

Emphasizes the lack of decorum or good taste.

is unfit

Highlights the lack of suitability for a specific role or situation.

is improper

Focuses on the violation of established rules or norms.

is unsuitable

Indicates a mismatch or lack of appropriateness.

is indecorous

Stresses the violation of accepted standards of behavior.

is not appropriate

A more explicit way of stating that something lacks suitability.

does not befit

Highlights that the action or behavior is not in accordance with someone's status or position.

is out of place

Indicates that something is not in harmony or alignment with its surroundings or context.

is not in keeping with

Emphasizes a departure from expected standards or norms.

FAQs

How to use "is unbecoming" in a sentence?

Use "is unbecoming" to describe actions or qualities that don't align with expected standards of behavior or appearance, especially in formal contexts. For example, "His outburst "is unbecoming" of a leader."

What can I say instead of "is unbecoming"?

You can use alternatives like "is inappropriate", "is unseemly", or "is unfit" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is unbecoming"?

The phrase ""is unbecoming"" is suitable for formal situations where a standard of conduct or appearance is expected. It may sound out of place in casual conversation.

What's the difference between "is unbecoming" and "is inappropriate"?

"Is unbecoming" suggests something clashes with a specific role or expectation, whereas "is inappropriate" suggests a general lack of suitability for a given situation.