impropriety

noun

im·​pro·​pri·​e·​ty ˌim-p(r)ə-ˈprī-ə-tē How to pronounce impropriety (audio)
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

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 Judges in multiple states dismissed state and federal lawsuits filed by Trump's legal team that alleged widespread voting improprieties in the 2020 election while federal and state election security experts found no credible evidence of computer fraud in the election. Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 19 Mar. 2024 Summer expected the State Bar to rely on McAfee's opinion, which found the appearance of impropriety in the case, but not the existence of an actual conflict of interest. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2024 McAfee’s ruling represents a compromise, allowing the case to proceed while addressing concerns of impropriety. Melissa Noel, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024 However, recent accusations of financial impropriety by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) triggered severe actions, including the suspension of new deposits into Paytm accounts and digital wallets. Nandan Sheth, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 In a missive back to Scottsdale, the company CEO denied any impropriety by its executives and suggested a conflict of interest on the part of the planning commissioner. Sam Kmack, The Arizona Republic, 2 Mar. 2024 The high-profile exchange collapses in 2022 of firms like FTX, Celsius, BlockFi, Genesis, came during a bear market that was set off by irresponsible lending and other improprieties that seem to have dissipated. Javier Paz, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 But Weidner brushed aside any concerns about impropriety. Ben Wieder, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2024 The mayor, who retained lawyers this week to represent him, his campaign and Ms. Suggs, has denied knowledge of any impropriety and defended the campaign’s fund-raising. Michael Rothfeld, New York Times, 12 Nov. 2023

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.

Word History

Etymology

French or Late Latin; French impropriété, from Late Latin improprietat-, improprietas, from Latin improprius

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of impropriety was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near impropriety

Cite this Entry

“Impropriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impropriety. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

impropriety

noun
im·​pro·​pri·​ety
ˌim-prə-ˈprī-ət-ē
plural improprieties
1
: the quality or state of being improper
2
: an improper act or remark

More from Merriam-Webster on impropriety

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