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
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
Like the House bill, its text has not yet been released.
DEA hearings on the rescheduling proposal have been delayed by at least three months due to appeals from pro-reform witnesses claiming improper communications between the DEA and certain opponents.
—
Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
After reviewing body camera footage of the incident as part of its internal investigation, the department recommended that the officer receive a two-day suspension for the improper search allegation.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
In an effort to clamp down on federal financial waste, a new bill aims to address the issue of billions in improper payments by federal agencies.
—Claire Dickey, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
While honey can naturally darken in color over time, a drastic change in color may be due to heat exposure or improper storage.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for improper
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Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
After reviewing body camera footage of the incident as part of its internal investigation, the department recommended that the officer receive a two-day suspension for the improper search allegation.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2025
In an effort to clamp down on federal financial waste, a new bill aims to address the issue of billions in improper payments by federal agencies.
—Claire Dickey, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025
While honey can naturally darken in color over time, a drastic change in color may be due to heat exposure or improper storage.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for improper
Articles Related to improper
Cite this Entry
“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improper. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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