impropriety
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪmˈprɒp.ər.aɪ.ti/
KK: /ɪmˈprɑːpəˌrɪti/
noun
Definition
A behavior or action that is not proper or acceptable in a social or moral context.
Example
The committee discussed the impropriety of his comments during the meeting.
Conversation
Did you hear about the meeting where someone pointed out an impropriety in the report?
Yeah, I read about that; it caused quite a stir.
It's surprising how one little impropriety can change people's opinions.
Absolutely, it really highlights the importance of being careful with details.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
misconduct
indecency
impropriety
Antonyms
decorum
propriety
acceptability
Root Explanation
Impropriety is formed from "im-" (meaning not) and "proprius" (from Latin, meaning one's own or proper) and the suffix "-ety" (indicating a state or condition). The word refers to a state of being not proper or inappropriate.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not proper' ('im-' means not and 'proprius' means proper) to remember that impropriety refers to something inappropriate.
Visually Confused Words
propriety
malpropriety
unpropriety
proprietory
proprietary