Word
improperly
Phoneticsim·prop·er·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɹɑpɝɫi/
UK/ɪmpɹˈɒpəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is not correct, honest, or suitable for a situation. You use this when someone does something the wrong way or breaks a rule.
adv. in a manner that is incorrect, unsuitable, or dishonest. Often describes actions that violate formal procedures, social norms, or technical requirements.
Examples
“The machine broke because it was used improperly.”
“The committee found that the funds had been handled improperly, leading to a full investigation of the department's finances.”
“If the evidence is collected improperly by the authorities, the judge may rule it inadmissible during the trial, regardless of its potential relevance to the case.”
Examples
simple
“The machine broke because it was used improperly.”
contextual
“The committee found that the funds had been handled improperly, leading to a full investigation of the department's finances.”
complex
“If the evidence is collected improperly by the authorities, the judge may rule it inadmissible during the trial, regardless of its potential relevance to the case.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb or the direct object it modifies.
Pitfall
He behaved improper during the meeting.
He behaved improperly during the meeting.
Learners often use the adjective 'improper' when the adverbial form 'improperly' is required to modify a verb.
Real-World Examples
“Besançon said millions of euros in research funds were “thrown out the window” due to the poor research practices at the IHU, and many students were improperly trained in scientific practices.” “The president has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and argued that the judge who oversaw the civil trial improperly allowed evidence to be presented that affected the jury's perceptions of him.” Etymology
From Middle English improprelich, impropreliche, impropurly, inproperlye; equivalent to improper + -ly or im- + properly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
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