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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And no Georgia court has ever reversed a trial court's order declining to disqualify a prosecutor based solely on an appearance of impropriety. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 More eyes on the books reduces the chances of impropriety. Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025 An exchange with Senator Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona, was typical of how Mr. Hegseth sought to refute allegations of impropriety. Helene Cooper, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2025 Wood, the university president, first revealed in a letter to students in August that the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office was investigating the financial improprieties. Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for impropriety 

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 27 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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