improper
/ɪmˈprɒpə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈprɑːpər/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər/ (ame, mw)
improper — adjective
- improperpositive
- more impropercomparative
- most impropersuperlative
1. not right for the situation, purpose, or place, especially because it goes again
not right for the situation, purpose, or place, especially because it goes against normal rules of behavior or good manners.
Wearing muddy boots into the temple would be improper and disrespectful.
judging behavior in a formal place
The teacher said it was improper to laugh during the memorial service.
pattern: it is improper to + verb
Jason used his phone at dinner, and his aunt called it improper.
Leaving private work papers on the train was improper office practice.
- inappropriate
broader and slightly more neutral; often used for things that do not fit a situation
- unsuitable
focuses more on fitness for a purpose than on manners
- rude
narrower; usually describes behavior that directly shows disrespect
- appropriate
fits the situation or purpose
- proper
matches accepted rules, manners, or standards
文法句型
it is improper for + person + to + verb
用法筆記
Common for actions, behavior, clothing, or language that do not fit the setting. If the problem is direct dishonesty or rule-breaking for personal benefit, sense 2 is usually stronger.
常見錯誤
2. not fair, honest, or allowed by law or official rules, especially when someone u
not fair, honest, or allowed by law or official rules, especially when someone uses power or money in a dishonest way.
The judge ruled that the company had made improper payments to local officials.
formal collocation: improper payments
Liam was fired for using customer data for improper personal gain.
Reporters uncovered improper influence on the committee's final decision.
The contract was cancelled after evidence of improper dealings emerged.
- legitimate
allowed by rules or law
- proper
acceptable in official procedure or conduct
用法筆記
Often used in legal, business, or official reports with nouns such as payment, influence, pressure, conduct, or access. This sense is stronger than sense 1 because it suggests unethical or rule-breaking behavior, not just bad manners.
3. using sexual ideas or behavior so openly or crudely that people see it as rude,
using sexual ideas or behavior so openly or crudely that people see it as rude, especially around children or in formal places.
The host apologized after a guest made an improper joke at the family dinner.
formal euphemism for sexual content
Teachers removed the improper picture from the classroom notice board.
The website was blocked because it showed improper material to children.
Reema told the manager that the customer's improper comments made her uneasy.
- decent
socially acceptable and not sexually offensive
- appropriate
acceptable for the setting and audience
用法筆記
A careful, formal way to describe sexual jokes, comments, images, touching, or proposals without stating the details directly. It is common in schools, workplaces, and official complaints.