Impropriety
/ˌɪmprəˈpraɪəti/noun
Something that is not suitable or not proper in particular condition or situation.
The impropriety of using campaign funds for personal expenses was not lost on the voters.
Often appears as...
- commit an impropriety
- accused of impropriety
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters
Impropriety varies by culture. What's proper in one society may be improper in another.
Wearing shorts to a business meeting may be seen as an impropriety in some cultures.
Pro Tip 2/3Perception of Wrong
'Impropriety' often implies a public perception of something being unsuitable, rather than a personal opinion.
The director faced criticism for the perceived impropriety of his decisions.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Incorrectness
The word is used for slight misalignments with expected behavior or norms, not always for severe wrongdoing.
There was a sense of impropriety in his informal dress at the formal event.
Compare with
indecencymisconductrudesensitivity
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