improper

/ɪmˈprɒpə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˈprɑːpər/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər/ (ame, mw)

improper — 形容詞

  • improperpositive
  • more impropercomparative
  • most impropersuperlative

1. not right for the situation, purpose, or place, especially because it goes again

1.形容詞B2
釋義

不合宜

不適合當下情況或禮節

not right for the situation, purpose, or place, especially because it goes against normal rules of behavior or good manners.

例句

Wearing muddy boots into the temple would be improper and disrespectful.

穿著沾滿泥巴的靴子走進寺廟，會顯得很不合宜，也很失禮。

judging behavior in a formal place

The teacher said it was improper to laugh during the memorial service.

老師說，在追思會上大笑是很不合宜的。

pattern: it is improper to + verb

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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

❌It was improper she entered in jeans.
✅It was improper for her to enter in jeans.
💡Use 'improper for + person + to + verb' when judging someone's action.

2. not fair, honest, or allowed by law or official rules, especially when someone u

2.形容詞C1
釋義

不正當

違反規則、法律或誠信

not fair, honest, or allowed by law or official rules, especially when someone uses power or money in a dishonest way.

例句

The judge ruled that the company had made improper payments to local officials.

法官裁定，該公司曾向地方官員支付不正當款項。

formal collocation: improper payments

Liam was fired for using customer data for improper personal gain.

Liam 因為使用客戶資料謀取不正當私利而被開除。

同義詞
  • unlawful

    stronger and more direct; means clearly against the law

  • unethical

    focuses on moral standards rather than legal ones

  • corrupt

    usually involves abuse of power for gain, especially in public life

反義詞
  • 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,

3.形容詞C1
釋義

猥褻的

帶有失禮性暗示的

using sexual ideas or behavior so openly or crudely that people see it as rude, especially around children or in formal places.

例句

The host apologized after a guest made an improper joke at the family dinner.

有位來賓在家庭晚餐上說了猥褻笑話後，主人立刻道歉。

formal euphemism for sexual content

Teachers removed the improper picture from the classroom notice board.

老師把那張猥褻圖片從教室的公布欄上拿掉了。

同義詞
  • indecent

    close in meaning and often used in legal or formal situations

  • obscene

    stronger; suggests shocking or highly offensive sexual content

  • explicit

    focuses on clear sexual detail and is less judgmental by itself

反義詞
  • 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.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher showed an improper subject in class.
✅The teacher showed improper material in class.
💡This sense usually describes sexual remarks, images, or touching, not a general topic.