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 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 Mandatory work is awarded to questionable contractors, and there have been rumors of impropriety. Jill Terreri Ramos, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2024 Investigations found no impropriety by Young in that episode or with UCLA donors paying the rent for the chancellor’s summer beach house, yacht club membership or vacation trip to Tahiti — but criticism mounted. Stuart Silverstein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2023 Those early experiences proved crucial: intoxication, impropriety, diaspora, Ireland, exile, and displacement all became core themes in MacGowan’s songwriting. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2023 The Mitchells wrote articles and editorials reporting on violence, terrorism and financial improprieties at Synanon. Sam Roberts, New York Times, 1 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 18 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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