impropriety
noun
im·pro·pri·e·ty
ˌim-p(r)ə-ˈprī-ə-tē 
plural improprieties
1
: an improper or indecorous act or remark
especially
: an unacceptable use of a word or of language
2
: the quality or state of being improper
Synonyms
Examples of impropriety in a Sentence
He has a reputation for impropriety.
The judge excused herself from the case to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
She was shocked by the young man's impropriety.
She was shocked by the impropriety of his behavior.
He has been accused of financial improprieties.
Recent Examples on the Web
Department sources with knowledge of the matter said the alleged impropriety was uncovered weeks ago and that two officers are at the center of the case.
—
Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024
After all, one French figure after another has been hit with allegations of impropriety.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 15 May 2024
But in the final year of his second full term — his last on the board — he has been dogged by allegations of impropriety.
—Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
The nonprofit National Congress of Black Women, co-founded by Chisholm in 1984 to improve the lives of Black women and boost their political aspirations, is racked by infighting and internal allegations of financial improprieties.
—Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 30 Mar. 2024
Noriega has vehemently denied any impropriety and pledged to address the concerns — though his initial response only sparked more questions.
—Joey Flechas, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024
Their leaders, past and present, have traded heated accusations of deception and impropriety across four lawsuits in three states.
—Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024
Later that year, HP said it had been duped by Autonomy, misled by improprieties including the backdating of contracts and the use of hardware sales to bolster revenue, particularly at the end of a quarter.
—Michael J. De La Merced, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024
Judge Scott McAfee said Willis created a 'significant appearance of impropriety' through her romantic affair with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024
Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024
After all, one French figure after another has been hit with allegations of impropriety.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 15 May 2024
But in the final year of his second full term — his last on the board — he has been dogged by allegations of impropriety.
—Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024
The nonprofit National Congress of Black Women, co-founded by Chisholm in 1984 to improve the lives of Black women and boost their political aspirations, is racked by infighting and internal allegations of financial improprieties.
—Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 30 Mar. 2024
Noriega has vehemently denied any impropriety and pledged to address the concerns — though his initial response only sparked more questions.
—Joey Flechas, Miami Herald, 22 Mar. 2024
Their leaders, past and present, have traded heated accusations of deception and impropriety across four lawsuits in three states.
—Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024
Later that year, HP said it had been duped by Autonomy, misled by improprieties including the backdating of contracts and the use of hardware sales to bolster revenue, particularly at the end of a quarter.
—Michael J. De La Merced, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2024
Judge Scott McAfee said Willis created a 'significant appearance of impropriety' through her romantic affair with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'impropriety.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near impropriety
Cite this Entry
“Impropriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impropriety. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
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