is unseemly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unseemly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe behavior or actions that are inappropriate or not proper in a given context. Example: "His comments during the meeting were unseemly and made everyone uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is unseemly.

The Economist

This is unseemly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I agree: this behavior is unseemly.

The New York Times

Such special pleading is unseemly.

The New York Times

If nothing else it is unseemly.

The Guardian - Sport

Lobbying for a coaching job is unseemly.

The New York Times - Sports

"That ambulance-chasing is unseemly," he says.

The Guardian - Music

"It is unseemly, unwise and inaccurate".

The New York Times

That it is unseemly is not our fault.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is "unseemly and more undermining" to do so.

The Guardian

Some traditional retailers treat Amazon almost as if its business is unseemly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is unseemly" to describe actions or behaviors that violate social norms or expectations of decorum. It is particularly effective when pointing out subtle violations of good taste rather than outright offenses.

Common error

While "is unseemly" is a valid and useful phrase, be cautious about using it too frequently in informal conversations. In casual settings, simpler terms like "inappropriate" or "tasteless" might be more fitting and less likely to sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unseemly" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as violating standards of good taste or social norms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its use in expressing disapproval of various behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unseemly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing behavior that violates social norms or good taste. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to express disapproval or criticism, maintaining a neutral to formal register. While "is unseemly" is effective in pointing out subtle violations, it's important to consider alternatives like "is inappropriate" or "is tasteless" in more informal contexts to avoid sounding pretentious. Understanding its specific nuance and context ensures accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is inappropriate

Replaces "unseemly" with a more general term for something not suitable or fitting.

is improper

Indicates a violation of established rules or customs, similar to "unseemly" but perhaps slightly more formal.

is unbecoming

Focuses on how the action reflects poorly on the person performing it.

is indecent

Suggests a violation of accepted standards of morality or modesty; stronger than "unseemly".

is frowned upon

Indicates that something is disapproved of, though not necessarily strictly prohibited.

is tasteless

Highlights a lack of aesthetic or social judgment.

is in bad taste

A more descriptive way of saying something is tasteless.

is out of place

Implies that something is not suitable for a particular situation or environment.

is not done

A more colloquial way of saying something is socially unacceptable.

is just not cricket

A British idiom indicating unfair or unsporting behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "is unseemly" in a sentence?

Use "is unseemly" to describe behavior that doesn't conform to accepted standards of taste or social conduct. For example, "It "is unseemly" to discuss personal finances in public".

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

"Is unseemly" suggests a violation of social norms or good taste, while "is inappropriate" is a broader term for anything unsuitable or out of place. "Is unseemly" often carries a stronger connotation of social disapproval.

What can I say instead of "is unseemly"?

Alternatives include "is improper", "is inappropriate", "is unbecoming", or "is tasteless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

The phrase "is unseemly" is appropriate in situations where you want to express that something violates social conventions or is in poor taste. It's often used in formal writing or when discussing matters of etiquette and decorum.