IMPROPER: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for IMPROPER?

Need another word that means the same as “improper”? Find 37 synonyms and 30 related words for “improper” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Improper” are: unconventional, unlawful, wrong, inappropriate, unacceptable, unsuitable, unprofessional, irregular, illegitimate, indecent, risqué, off colour, indelicate, suggestive, naughty, ribald, earthy, rabelaisian, smutty, dirty, filthy, vulgar, crude, rude, obscene, lewd, pornographic, unseemly, indecorous, unbecoming, unfitting, out of keeping, unladylike, ungentlemanly, indiscreet, impolite, undignified

Improper as an Adjective

Definitions of "Improper" as an adjective

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “improper” as an adjective can have the following definitions:

• Not appropriate for a purpose or occasion.
• Not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention.
• Lacking in modesty or decency.
• Not in accordance with accepted standards, especially of morality or honesty.
• Not suitable or right or appropriate.

Synonyms of "Improper" as an adjective (37 Words)

crude	Belonging to an early stage of technical development characterized by simplicity and often crudeness. The crude facts.
earthy	Conspicuously and tastelessly indecent. Earthy smells of new mown grass.
filthy	Contemptible (used for emphasis. Had a filthy mouth.
illegitimate	Not authorized by the law; not in accordance with accepted standards or rules. Defending workers against illegitimate managerial practices.
impolite	Not having or showing good manners; rude. It would have been impolite to refuse.
inappropriate	Not suitable for a particular occasion etc. Noise seems inappropriate at a time of sadness.
indecent	Not appropriate or fitting. Was buried with indecent haste.
indecorous	Not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society. A pub crawl with sundry indecorous adventures.
indelicate	Verging on the indecent. An earthy often indelicate sense of humour.
indiscreet	Lacking discretion; injudicious. Her behavior was indiscreet at the very best.
irregular	Deviating from normal expectations; somewhat odd, strange, or abnormal. Highly irregular behavior.
lewd	Crude and offensive in a sexual way. Lewd pictures.
naughty	Mildly rude or indecent, typically because related to sex. A naughty boy.
obscene	Suggestive of or tending to moral looseness. The obscene massacre at Wounded Knee.
off colour	In an unpalatable state.
out of keeping	Outside or external.
pornographic	Designed to arouse lust. Pornographic films and magazines.
rabelaisian	Of or relating to or characteristic of Francois Rabelais or his works.
ribald	Referring to sexual matters in an amusingly coarse or irreverent way. He was delighted at the ribald laughter that greeted his witticism.
risqué	Suggestive of sexual impropriety.
rude	Belonging to an early stage of technical development characterized by simplicity and often crudeness. The war came as a very rude awakening.
suggestive	Indicative or evocative. Artifacts suggestive of an ancient society.
unacceptable	Not acceptable; not welcome. The following use of access was judged unacceptable by a panel of linguists You can access your cash at any of 300 automatic tellers.
unbecoming	Not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society. An unbecoming striped sundress.
unconventional	Not conventional or conformist. An unconventional marriage.
undignified	Lacking dignity. An undignified exit.
unfitting	Not fitting or suitable; unbecoming. Certain occupations were held unfitting for baptized believers.
ungentlemanly	Not appropriate to or behaving like a gentleman. An ungentlemanly lack of sportsmanship.
unladylike	Not appropriate for or typical of a well-bred, decorous woman. He thought it was unladylike for his daughter to work on a farm.
unlawful	Not conforming to, permitted by, or recognized by law or rules. Unlawful love.
unprofessional	Not characteristic of or befitting a profession or one engaged in a profession. A report on unprofessional conduct.
unseemly	Not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society. An unseemly squabble.
unsuitable	Not worthy of being chosen (especially as a spouse. The movie is unsuitable for children.
wrong	In a bad or abnormal condition; amiss. Something was wrong with the pump.

Usage Examples of "Improper" as an adjective

• Improper medication.
• Improper banking practices.
• It was considered improper to leave one's house on Christmas Day.
• The improper use of public funds.
• Slightly improper to dine alone with a married man.
• An improper suggestion.
• Improper attire for the golf course.

Associations of "Improper" (30 Words)

culpability	Responsibility for a fault or wrong; blame. A level of moral culpability.
decadent	A person who has fallen into a decadent state morally or artistically. A decadent soak in a scented bath.
depraved	Morally corrupt; wicked. He was a depraved lecher.
fallacy	A failure in reasoning which renders an argument invalid. The potential for fallacy which lies behind the notion of self esteem.
immoral	Deliberately violating accepted principles of right and wrong. Unseemly and immoral behaviour.
improperly	In a way that lacks modesty or decency. Evidence is inadmissible if it is improperly obtained.
impropriety	An improper demeanor. She was scandalized at the impropriety of the question.
inaccurate	Not exact. The thermometer is inaccurate.
inappropriate	Not in keeping with what is correct or proper. It would be inappropriate for me to comment.
inapt	Not elegant or graceful in expression. A more inapt name I cannot imagine.
incongruity	The quality of disagreeing; being unsuitable and inappropriate. The incongruity of his fleshy face and skinny body disturbed her.
incorrect	Not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth. Strictly speaking the form of address was incorrect.
indecorous	Not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper. A pub crawl with sundry indecorous adventures.
indelicate	Lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct. An earthy often indelicate sense of humour.
iniquitous	Grossly unfair and morally wrong. Iniquitous deeds.
licentious	Disregarding accepted conventions, especially in grammar or literary style. The ruler s tyrannical and licentious behaviour.
misconduct	Mismanagement, especially culpable neglect of duties. The general was pardoned for misconduct of the war.
misdirect	Use or apply (something) wrongly or inappropriately. Their efforts have been largely misdirected.
misinterpret	Interpret in the wrong way. Soanes claimed his remarks had been misinterpreted.
misplaced	Put in the wrong place or position. She was penalized for a spelling mistake or a misplaced accent.
unbecoming	(especially of clothing or a colour) not flattering. It was unbecoming for a university to do anything so crass as advertising its wares.
uncouth	(of art or language) lacking sophistication or delicacy. He is unwashed uncouth and drunk most of the time.
unethical	Not conforming to approved standards of social or professional behavior. Unethical business practices.
unfit	Make unfit or unsuitable. Fat and very unfit.
unjust	Not equitable or fair. An unjust judge.
unsuitability	The quality of having the wrong properties for a specific purpose.
unsuitable	Not capable of being applied. A solvent unsuitable for use on wood surfaces.
unsuited	Not easy to combine harmoniously. He was totally unsuited for the job.
wrong	Treat unjustly do wrong to. Something was wrong with the pump.