improper
adjective
im·prop·er
(ˌ)im-ˈprä-pər 
: not proper: such as
a
: not in accord with propriety, modesty, good manners, or good taste
improper language
b
: not suited to the circumstances, design, or end
improper medicine
c
: not regularly or normally formed or not properly so called
d
: not in accord with fact, truth, or right procedure : incorrect
improper inference
improperly
adverb
improperness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of improper in a Sentence
The doctor gave him an improper diagnosis.
They claim to have evidence of improper police conduct.
improper use of public land
This is an improper diet for a growing teenager.
It would be improper for me to ask such a favor of her.
He made some improper remarks.
Recent Examples on the Web
One of the technology's most critical functions will be to track people who have been flagged with improper scanning, according to the reports.
—
Emilee Coblentz, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024
It’s not recommended to take asbestos samples yourself, as improper handling can be hazardous.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024
In Kentucky during the 2017 eclipse, one person died when they were hit by a car while looking up at the sky in an improper place.
—Christina Coulter, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2024
The rock-and-roll manager proper, or improper, really begins with Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, the former carny with the omnipresent cigar, nodding, winking, and fanning his latest flame into a global conflagration.
—Andrew O’Hagan, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
Eight allegations against Eisenberg were substantiated as racist, sexist, ageist, abusive conduct and improper direction to staff.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
Unfortunately, the wrong test may lead down a path towards additional testing or even improper treatment.
—Brandon Peters, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2024
Olson confirmed that the city had served the landowner with two citations: one for marijuana growth and one for improper zoning.
—Frank E. Lockwood, arkansasonline.com, 30 Mar. 2024
Key Background In 2021, the FEC accused Braun’s senatorial campaign of accepting millions of dollars in potentially improper loans in 2018.
—Ty Roush, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
Emilee Coblentz, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024
It’s not recommended to take asbestos samples yourself, as improper handling can be hazardous.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024
In Kentucky during the 2017 eclipse, one person died when they were hit by a car while looking up at the sky in an improper place.
—Christina Coulter, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2024
The rock-and-roll manager proper, or improper, really begins with Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, the former carny with the omnipresent cigar, nodding, winking, and fanning his latest flame into a global conflagration.
—Andrew O’Hagan, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
Eight allegations against Eisenberg were substantiated as racist, sexist, ageist, abusive conduct and improper direction to staff.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
Unfortunately, the wrong test may lead down a path towards additional testing or even improper treatment.
—Brandon Peters, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2024
Olson confirmed that the city had served the landowner with two citations: one for marijuana growth and one for improper zoning.
—Frank E. Lockwood, arkansasonline.com, 30 Mar. 2024
Key Background In 2021, the FEC accused Braun’s senatorial campaign of accepting millions of dollars in potentially improper loans in 2018.
—Ty Roush, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'improper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to improper
Dictionary Entries Near improper
Cite this Entry
“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improper. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
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