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
Trump, who has painted past legal cases against him as an improper political use of law enforcement, has in a number of instances called for probes of his foes.
—
Sarah N. Lynch, USA Today, 22 May 2025
The report alleges a range of major violations plaguing St. Hope Public Schools — including conflicts of interests among its top officers, improper use of public funding, deficient accounting processes and the employment of a largely unqualified teaching staff.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
Riggs recovered to challenge for the lead, while Heim incurred a penalty for an improper restart to squander his chances at victory.
—Reid Spencer, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2025
He was accused of making improper script revisions during filming, and of refusing to identify a non-member who allegedly rewrote the ending.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for improper
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Sarah N. Lynch, USA Today, 22 May 2025
The report alleges a range of major violations plaguing St. Hope Public Schools — including conflicts of interests among its top officers, improper use of public funding, deficient accounting processes and the employment of a largely unqualified teaching staff.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 21 May 2025
Riggs recovered to challenge for the lead, while Heim incurred a penalty for an improper restart to squander his chances at victory.
—Reid Spencer, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2025
He was accused of making improper script revisions during filming, and of refusing to identify a non-member who allegedly rewrote the ending.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for improper
Cite this Entry
“Improper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improper. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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