Word
impropriety
Phoneticsim·pro·pri·ety
US/ˌɪmpɹəˈpɹaɪəti/
UK/ɪmpɹəpɹˈaɪəti/
Definition
n. behavior that is not appropriate or goes against what is considered right and proper. It often involves a lack of good manners or a failure to follow social rules.
n. behavior or conduct that is inappropriate, indecent, or contrary to established social or professional standards. Often implies a lack of decorum or a breach of etiquette.
Examples
“The politician was accused of financial impropriety.”
“The committee investigated the incident to determine if there was any impropriety in the hiring process.”
“While the gesture was intended as a sign of friendship, it was viewed as a serious impropriety in the formal atmosphere of the diplomatic mission.”
Examples
simple
“The politician was accused of financial impropriety.”
contextual
“The committee investigated the incident to determine if there was any impropriety in the hiring process.”
complex
“While the gesture was intended as a sign of friendship, it was viewed as a serious impropriety in the formal atmosphere of the diplomatic mission.”
Real-World Examples
“Would any evidence of impropriety cause the flow of money from the faithful to dry up?” “The United Kingdom’s main political parties boycotted the election, creating the embarrassing face-off for Farage who had sought to use the election to boost his standing after allegations of financial impropriety.” Etymology
From French impropriété, from Latin improprietās. By surface analysis, improper + -iety or im- + propriety.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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englishreference.com/q/impropriety