it was unseemly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unseemly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe behavior or actions that are inappropriate or not proper in a given context. Example: "His loud laughter during the solemn ceremony was unseemly and drew disapproving looks from the attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Annenberg attracted some controversy during her tenure when she curtsied before the visiting Prince Charles upon arriving for a diplomatic visit, commentators saying it was unseemly in a republic which gained its independence from the same monarchy.

Wikipedia

"It was unseemly," Mr. Gottlieb said.

The New York Times

It was unseemly to think of the place as home.

The New York Times - Magazine

People knew it was unseemly to talk about Clinton.

The New York Times

He said it was unseemly to chant things like "Death to America" at public rallies.

The New Yorker

"People died; nevertheless I want to discuss photographs". It was unseemly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

It is unseemly for a school district to sell its space for the pittance it receives.

The New York Times

Sure it's unseemly for an art museum to be thinking of its public patrimony as a financial asset.

Los Angeles Times

"It's unseemly.

The New York Times

It is unseemly.

The Economist

I agree; it's unseemly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was unseemly" to express disapproval of behavior that violates social norms or expectations. Consider the specific context to ensure the phrase accurately captures the nuance of impropriety.

Common error

Avoid using "it was unseemly" in casual conversation where more straightforward language may be appropriate. The phrase is relatively formal and may sound stilted in everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unseemly" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing disapproval or criticism of a specific action or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in denoting actions deemed inappropriate or violating social norms. Examples show the phrase used to comment on political actions, social behaviors, and artistic expressions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was unseemly" serves as a judgment call on behaviors violating social norms, commonly found in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and apt for expressing disapproval of inappropriate actions. While versatile, it is more suited to neutral or slightly formal contexts, with alternatives such as "it was inappropriate" offering similar meanings in different registers. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its capacity to succinctly convey that an action was not just inappropriate but potentially offensive or shocking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was inappropriate

Changes the adjective to a more general term for unsuitable behavior.

it was improper

Replaces "unseemly" with a synonym indicating a violation of accepted standards.

it was unbecoming

Uses a different adjective to suggest that the action detracted from someone's dignity.

it was not appropriate

Employs a negative construction with a common synonym for unsuitable conduct.

it was out of place

Suggests that the action was inappropriate for the specific context or situation.

it was in poor taste

Indicates that the action was offensive or lacked sensitivity.

it was quite wrong

Replaces "unseemly" with an emphasis that the action wasn't morally acceptable

it was just not done

Employs an idiom which implies a strong prohibition or taboo.

that wasn't a good look

Uses a slang idiom for expressing that a situation/action wasn't appropriate.

that was not the done thing

A more formal expression implying that an action was socially unacceptable.

FAQs

How can I use "it was unseemly" in a sentence?

Use "it was unseemly" to describe an action or behavior that is considered inappropriate, improper, or against social norms. For example, "it was unseemly for the politician to accept such lavish gifts".

What are some alternatives to "it was unseemly"?

You can use alternatives like "it was inappropriate", "it was improper", or "it was unbecoming" depending on the context.

Is "it was unseemly" formal or informal?

"It was unseemly" is considered a relatively formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "it was out of place" or "it was in poor taste" might be more suitable.

What does "it was unseemly" imply about the action?

The phrase "it was unseemly" implies that the action was not just inappropriate, but also potentially offensive or shocking to those who witnessed it, violating expected standards of decorum.