lack of propriety

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of propriety" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or behavior that is considered inappropriate or lacking in proper manners or decorum. Example: "The lack of propriety displayed during the meeting was surprising, as everyone expected a more professional demeanor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

At another moment he told Mr. Gomes, "Release yourself from the bonds of choreography," adding jokingly, "You're from Brazil, for heaven's sake!" If some dancers were surprised by Mr. Forsythe's lack of propriety about his work, the Ballet Theater principal Ethan Stiefel was not.

The New York Times - Arts

While the media debates these matters and the public expects its MPs to, these weren't even discussed in two days of debate because of the way the government organised the guillotines, as I protested, with no consultation and without regard to the lack of propriety involved in seeing the elected house passing laws "on the nod".

The Guardian - Opinion

Lucy tries to reconnect with her troubled sister, but Martha's lack of propriety or any sort of boundaries soon puts a strain on her sister's marriage.

Huffington Post

I anxiously wanted to attend, but was sure the boundaries between bystander and family would be apparent, and worried about a lack of propriety.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It makes sense when you watch it, of course, but that's the pleasure of True Blood – its gleeful lack of concern for understatement, propriety and doing things by halves.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"People often confused Chris's reserved style and personal sense of propriety with a lack of fierceness on behalf of his client.

The New York Times

It is not caused by "bourgeois propriety," the lack of mystery in men or representations in popular culture.

The New York Times

Though Palestine is named one of 22 Arab countries on an "Arab World Map" (and is given the boundaries of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip), the museum's commentary refers to this Palestinian "state" with objective propriety: "The lack of political resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has hindered its establishment".

The New York Times

In the play, the character Socrates heads a Think-o-Rama in which young men study the natural world, from insects to stars, and study slick argumentative techniques as well, lacking all respect for the Athenian sense of propriety.

SEP

In practice, zhongyong means countless things: moderation, rectitude, objectivity, sincerity, honesty, truthfulness, propriety, equilibrium, and lack of prejudice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Further studies are encouraged to analyze the therapeutic effect of different levels of estrogenic compounds, which lack feminine proprieties, on different setting of immune diseases.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lack of propriety" when you want to emphasize the absence of expected standards of behavior or politeness in a specific context. This phrase is most effective when the breach of conduct is notable or surprising.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of propriety" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler terms like "inappropriate" or "rude" are often more suitable and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of propriety" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a situation or behavior characterized by the absence of appropriate social or ethical standards. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack of propriety" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the absence of appropriate behavior or manners. Though rare in frequency, it finds its primary context in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. When writing, consider using it to emphasize a notable breach of conduct, but avoid it in overly informal settings. Related phrases such as "impropriety" or "inappropriateness" can serve as suitable alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impropriety

Direct synonym, indicating a failure to observe standards or show due honesty or modesty.

indecorum

Focuses specifically on a violation of accepted standards of behavior or manners.

lack of decorum

Similar to indecorum, emphasizing the absence of dignified behavior.

inappropriateness

General term for something that is not suitable or fitting for a particular situation.

breach of etiquette

Specifically refers to a violation of the rules of polite society.

unseemliness

Emphasizes the offensiveness or inappropriateness of something.

absence of grace

Highlights a lack of elegance and refinement in behavior.

bad form

Informal term for behavior that is considered unacceptable or inappropriate.

want of respectability

Focuses on the absence of qualities that command societal esteem.

lack of good taste

Highlights a deficiency in aesthetic or ethical judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of propriety" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of propriety" to describe behavior that is considered inappropriate or lacking in proper manners. For example: "The "lack of propriety" displayed during the meeting was shocking."

What can I say instead of "lack of propriety"?

Alternatives include "impropriety", "indecorum", or "inappropriateness" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "lack of propriety" formal language?

Yes, "lack of propriety" is relatively formal. In more casual contexts, terms like "inappropriate" or "rude" might be more fitting.

What's the difference between "lack of propriety" and "lack of decorum"?

"Lack of propriety" generally refers to any failure to observe expected standards of behavior, while "lack of decorum" specifically highlights the absence of dignified or polite conduct. They are similar, but decorum emphasizes etiquette.