Word
unbecoming
Phoneticsun·be·com·ing, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌənbiˈkəmɪŋ/
UK/ʌnbɪkˈʌmɪŋ/
Definition
adj. not right or suitable for someone in your position. You use it for behaviour that looks rude or cheap, or for clothes that do not look good on you.
adj. Not appropriate or fitting for a particular person, role, or situation, especially in conduct or appearance. Often describes behaviour that falls below expected dignity or clothing that does not flatter the wearer.
Examples
“That rude comment is unbecoming for a team leader.”
“The manager warned that shouting at customers is unbecoming of staff in a hotel.”
“The senator's petulant outburst during the hearing struck observers as unbecoming of an office that demands restraint and impartial judgment.”
Examples
simple
“That rude comment is unbecoming for a team leader.”
contextual
“The manager warned that shouting at customers is unbecoming of staff in a hotel.”
complex
“The senator's petulant outburst during the hearing struck observers as unbecoming of an office that demands restraint and impartial judgment.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “unbecoming” in context.
Verb
01. appear unbecoming
“His casual shorts appeared unbecoming at the memorial service.”
linking verb + adj
02. be unbecoming of
“Begging for favours is unbecoming of a person in your position.”
verb + adj + prep
03. consider unbecoming
“The board considered his rude remarks unbecoming for a director.”
verb + adj
04. deem unbecoming
“The court deemed his conduct unbecoming for a public official.”
verb + adj
05. find unbecoming
“Many voters found her cheap jibes unbecoming of a stateswoman.”
verb + adj
06. seem unbecoming
“Arguing over the bill seemed unbecoming at a formal dinner.”
linking verb + adj
Adjective
07. deeply unbecoming
“Such petty gossip is deeply unbecoming of a senior manager.”
adv + adj
08. highly unbecoming
“Cheating in the exam was highly unbecoming of a prefect.”
adv + adj
09. an unbecoming display of temper
“His shouting was an unbecoming display of temper at the ceremony.”
10. conduct unbecoming of an officer
“The tribunal found him guilty of conduct unbecoming of an officer.”
11. deem such behaviour unbecoming
“The committee deemed such behaviour unbecoming for a judge.”
12. look unbecoming on someone
“That garish colour looks unbecoming on you for a formal interview.”
Usage
Often predicative after a linking verb, typically followed by 'of' or 'for' ('unbecoming of a leader').
Real-World Examples
“That gives him a career balance of -6 goals: an unbecoming legacy for one of England’s greatest central defenders.” Etymology
From un- + becoming. Compare Middle English unbicomelich (“unbecoming”). Equal to unbecome + -ing
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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