# improper

/ˌɪmˈpɹɑpɝ/ (US) · /ɪmpɹˈɒpɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/improper
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. socially inappropriate

adjective · CEFR B2

not right or suitable for a certain situation or place.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. rude or indecent

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. mathematics

adjective · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. incorrect

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

not correct or not based on facts.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- It is improper to use office equipment for personal business.
- The judge ruled that the evidence was obtained in an improper way and could not be used in court.
- The committee investigated the executive for improper use of company funds, eventually discovering a series of unauthorized transactions spanning several years.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.