What does "improper" mean?

1. (socially inappropriate) not right or suitable for a certain situation or place. 2. (rude or indecent) behaving in a way that is rude, dishonest, or not socially acceptable. 3. (mathematics) used to describe a fraction where the top number is larger than the bottom number. 4. (incorrect) not correct or not based on facts.

improper

adj.

US //ˌɪmˈpɹɑpɝ// UK //ɪmpɹˈɒpɐ// im·prop·er

1 socially inappropriate (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

not right or suitable for a certain situation or place.

unsuitable for a particular purpose, occasion, or set of circumstances.

Example

It would be improper to wear casual jeans to such a formal wedding.

Example

The committee decided that it was improper to discuss personal matters during a formal board meeting dedicated to financial oversight.
- unsuitable
- inappropriate
- unfitting
- proper
- appropriate
2 rude or indecent (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

behaving in a way that is rude, dishonest, or not socially acceptable.

not in accordance with accepted standards of behavior, modesty, or professional ethics.

Example

The teacher warned the student that his improper language was not allowed in class.

Example

The lawyer was disbarred after the investigation revealed improper conduct regarding the handling of his clients' private funds.
- indecent
- unbecoming
- unethical
- decent
- respectable

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 mathematics (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Math

used to describe a fraction where the top number is larger than the bottom number.

denoting a fraction in which the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.

Example

You can change an improper fraction like seven-thirds into a mixed number.

Example

The students were asked to convert a series of improper fractions into mixed numbers to simplify the final results of the equation.
- proper
4 incorrect (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal

not correct or not based on facts.

not in accordance with truth, fact, or established rules.

Example

The report was rejected because it was based on improper information.

Example

The judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible because it had been collected through improper legal procedures.
- correct
- accurate

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.