Word
improper
Phoneticsim·prop·er, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɹɑpɝ/
UK/ɪmpɹˈɒpɐ/
Definitions
01socially inappropriate
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not right or suitable for a certain situation or place.
adj. unsuitable for a particular purpose, occasion, or set of circumstances.
“It would be improper to wear casual jeans to such a formal wedding.”
“The committee decided that it was improper to discuss personal matters during a formal board meeting dedicated to financial oversight.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02rude or indecent
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. behaving in a way that is rude, dishonest, or not socially acceptable.
adj. not in accordance with accepted standards of behavior, modesty, or professional ethics.
“The teacher warned the student that his improper language was not allowed in class.”
“The lawyer was disbarred after the investigation revealed improper conduct regarding the handling of his clients' private funds.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03mathematics
B2 · Upper Intermediate Mathematics Technical
adj. used to describe a fraction where the top number is larger than the bottom number.
adj. denoting a fraction in which the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.
“You can change an improper fraction like seven-thirds into a mixed number.”
“The students were asked to convert a series of improper fractions into mixed numbers to simplify the final results of the equation.”
Antonyms
04incorrect
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. not correct or not based on facts.
adj. not in accordance with truth, fact, or established rules.
“The report was rejected because it was based on improper information.”
“The judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible because it had been collected through improper legal procedures.”
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius (“not proper”), from in- + proprius (“proper”). By surface analysis, im- + proper.
From Middle English empropren, perhaps from an unattested Anglo-Norman variant enproprier of Anglo-Norman apropr(i)er, approprier, related to modern French approprier.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/improper