ENGLISH
REFERENCE

improper

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌɪmˈpɹɑpɝ// UK //ɪmpɹˈɒpɐ// im·prop·er Archaic

adj. not right or honest for a specific situation. You use this to describe behavior that is rude, unfair, or against the rules.

adj. not in accordance with accepted standards of behavior, ethics, or social etiquette. Often used in legal or professional contexts to describe actions that are technically or morally wrong.


SIMPLE

It is improper to use office equipment for personal business.

CONTEXTUAL

The judge ruled that the evidence was obtained in an improper way and could not be used in court.

COMPLEX

The committee investigated the executive for improper use of company funds, eventually discovering a series of unauthorized transactions spanning several years.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius (“not proper”), from in- + proprius (“proper”). By surface analysis, im- + proper.

Etymology 2

From Middle English empropren, perhaps from an unattested Anglo-Norman variant enproprier of Anglo-Norman apropr(i)er, approprier, related to modern French approprier.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun or as a predicative adjective after a linking verb.

Pitfall

He behaved very improper.He behaved very improperly.Learners often use the adjective form instead of the adverb 'improperly' to describe an action.

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