indecorous

IPA/ɪnˈdekərəs/
IPA/ɪnˈdekərəs/

indecorous — adjective

  • indecorouspositive
  • more indecorouscomparative
  • most indecoroussuperlative

1. Describing speech, actions, or behaviour that breaks the unwritten rules of poli

1.adjectiveC2
Definition

Describing speech, actions, or behaviour that breaks the unwritten rules of politeness and good taste expected in a particular social situation — for example, telling a rude joke at a formal dinner or laughing at someone's misfortune.

Example

The CEO's indecorous remarks during the dinner party embarrassed everyone at the table.

indecorous + remarks — describes inappropriate speech in formal settings

Kwame thought it was indecorous to discuss salaries so openly at a family gathering.

Common collocations
  • indecorous behaviour
  • indecorous remark
  • indecorous comment
  • indecorous conduct
  • indecorous laughter
Synonyms
  • improper

    broader in meaning; covers any violation of rules or standards, not just social ones

  • unseemly

    very close in register and meaning, but slightly stronger and more old-fashioned

  • unbecoming

    emphasises that the behaviour does not suit the person's role or status

Antonyms
  • decorous

    direct opposite; describes behaviour that follows social rules of propriety

  • proper

    more general and common; covers any behaviour that meets accepted standards

Grammar Patterns

indecorous + noun

be + indecorous

it is indecorous to + infinitive

Usage Note

Commonly used of public or semi-public settings where specific norms of conduct are expected (formal dinners, ceremonies, meetings). Stronger than 'impolite' — it implies a clear violation of understood social etiquette, not just a minor lack of manners.

Common Mistakes

His joke at the memorial service was indecent.
His joke at the memorial service was indecorous.
'indecent' suggests something morally or sexually offensive; 'indecorous' means violating social etiquette.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe behaviour that breaks a standard, but they differ in scope and strength. 'Improper' is the broadest term — it can apply to social, legal, or ethical violations of any kind. 'Indecorous' is specific to social etiquette: behaviour that clashes with the accepted decorum of a setting, such as laughing at a formal ceremony. 'Unseemly' is very close in meaning but carries a stronger sense of 'this does not look right' and is more old-fashioned. 'Unbecoming' focuses on behaviour that is unsuitable for a person's position, age, or role — for example, a judge behaving in a way that damages the dignity of the bench. 'Indecent' is the strongest of the group and should not be confused with 'indecorous'; it refers to behaviour that is morally offensive or sexually explicit. For a formal dinner, a joke might be indecorous; the same joke at a job interview is improper; a photograph published without consent would be indecent.

improper ↗unseemly ↗unbecoming ↗indecent ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • it is indecorous to
  • considered indecorous

Etymology

LatinEnglish

From Latin 'indecorus' — the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' combined with 'decorus' meaning 'proper, becoming'. 'Decorus' itself comes from 'decus' (honour, ornament) and the verb 'decere' (to be fitting). English adopted the word through formal writing in the 1600s, where it described behaviour that did not match the elaborate social codes of the time.

First known use

1668

1668, in the meaning defined above