# unseemly

/ənˈsimɫi/ (US) · /ʌnsˈiːmli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unseemly
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

not suitable or polite for the situation, in a way that looks rude or shocking to other people.

For teachers: not in keeping with accepted standards of propriety or good taste; inappropriate to the context. Often describes behaviour, dress, or haste that draws social disapproval.

## Examples

- They make unseemly jokes during the serious meeting.
- The neighbours thought it was unseemly to play loud music late at night during the mourning period.
- The biography notes his unseemly rush to claim the inheritance before the funeral had even taken place.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'appear'.

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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.