unseemly behaviour

USAGE SUMMARY

"unseemly behaviour" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to action or conduct that is considered inappropriate or not suitable for a particular situation or setting. It can be used in formal or informal contexts to describe actions or behavior that are considered improper, indecent, or unbecoming. Example: The board of directors was deeply disappointed by the CEO's unseemly behavior at the company's annual conference. His constant swearing and disrespectful attitude towards other attendees were unacceptable.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The grove was so sacred that no unseemly behaviour was allowed in its vicinity, and those with legitimate business at the enclosure had to bathe before entering it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet even as he spoke, Ms Gillard's government was rocked by separate allegations of unseemly behaviour, one against the speaker of the federal parliament and the other against an ex-Labor politician upon whose support she depends.

The Economist

But the river of gold produced is also a temptation for promoters to stifle competition or to quarrel so fiercely over the proceeds that their unseemly behaviour drives the crowds away.

The Economist

These generally happen at around 8pm on a Saturday night and they consist of trying on 10 different shirts, hating them all, throwing them around the room, weeping and then promising to go to the gym - unseemly behaviour for a young gentleman.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Meanwhile, Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney, speaking on the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme, accused the UK parties of "utterly unseemly behaviour".

BBC

D: Cover-ups, unseemly behaviour, undue pressure – the picture you paint of the Royal Military Police and how they operate, and how they are allowed to operate, and how the Royal Military justice system operates, it's a very dark and sorry picture.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Next time your child bends down to cup up a ladybird, you can tell her all about the beetle's cannibalistic tendencies and unseemly sexual behaviour.

BBC

Vincent van Gogh's period as a trainee Evangelist pastor in the mining communities of the Borinage came to end when he was fired for unseemly Christ-like behaviour among his congregation.

Independent

The hometown Canadian-football club whose jersey Mr Ford, a big fan, was wearing when he was caught on camera responding in lewd words to an accusation of sexual harassment did not invite him to an important game and called his behaviour "unseemly at best".

The Economist

But I agree: this behavior is unseemly.

The New York Times

Kuper would later regret doing so and apologised to one of the players featured in the photograph on the grounds that it was probably unfair to highlight such an unseemly act when it had been perpetrated by somebody for whom such behaviour was so utterly out of character.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing formal events or situations, use "unseemly behaviour" to denote actions that violate established norms of decorum and politeness.

Common error

Avoid using "unseemly behaviour" to describe minor instances of rudeness. This phrase is better suited for actions that are genuinely inappropriate or offensive within a given social context, rather than just being impolite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unseemly behaviour" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition to describe conduct that is considered inappropriate or improper in a given context. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unseemly behaviour" is a noun phrase used to describe actions considered inappropriate or unbecoming. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable, primarily found in news and media, although suitable for formal contexts as well. The phrase aims to express disapproval of conduct violating social or ethical norms. While alternatives like "inappropriate conduct" or "improper actions" exist, "unseemly behaviour" carries a specific nuance, implying a breach of decorum. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the conduct in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inappropriate conduct

Replaces "behaviour" with "conduct", emphasizing the manner of behaving.

improper actions

Substitutes both words, focusing on specific acts that are not in line with expectations.

indecorous behavior

Uses a more formal synonym for "unseemly", highlighting a lack of good taste.

unbecoming actions

Emphasizes that the actions are not suitable or attractive in the specific context.

inappropriate etiquette

Focuses specifically on violations of social norms and manners.

bad manners

A more informal way to express disapproval of someone's behaviour.

poor deportment

Highlights the way someone carries themselves and behaves in public.

unacceptable behavior

Emphasizes that the behavior is not tolerable or permissible.

reprehensible conduct

Uses a stronger term to indicate that the conduct is deserving of criticism or condemnation.

scandalous behavior

Suggests behavior that is shocking and likely to cause public outrage.

FAQs

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

You can use "unseemly behaviour" to describe actions that are inappropriate or unbecoming. For example, "The politician's "unseemly behaviour" during the debate shocked many viewers."

What are some alternatives to "unseemly behaviour"?

Alternatives include "inappropriate conduct", "improper actions", or "indecorous behavior", depending on the context.

Is "unseemly behaviour" formal or informal?

"Unseemly behaviour" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it generally implies a level of seriousness beyond simple rudeness or impoliteness. It's best suited for describing actions that significantly violate social norms.

What is the difference between "unseemly behaviour" and "bad behaviour"?

"Bad behaviour" is a general term for any kind of undesirable conduct. "Unseemly behaviour" specifically refers to actions that are inappropriate or unbecoming in a particular social context, often implying a violation of etiquette or decorum.