impropriety
im-pruh-PRY-uh-tee
/ˌɪmprəˈpraɪəti/
A failure to observe standards or show due honesty or modesty; improper language, behavior, or character.
Impropriety is a formal way to describe 'bad behavior,' often used in legal or professional contexts to describe a conflict of interest or a breach of modesty.
The story behind the word. From 'im-' (not) and 'proprius' (one's own, proper). It literally means something that does not 'belong' to the correct way of doing things.
Word relationships
- indecency: Indecency is specifically about a lack of modesty; impropriety is a broader term for any inappropriate behavior.
- wrongdoing: Wrongdoing is a general term; impropriety is specifically about failing to meet a standard of 'properness.'
- propriety: Propriety is the state of being proper and following all rules.
Commonly confused with
- faux pas: A faux pas is an accidental social slip; an impropriety is a more serious failure to be 'proper.'
Word family
- improper (adjective): Not in accordance with accepted standards.
- improperly (adverb): In an improper manner.
Collocations
- appearance of impropriety
- financial impropriety
- sexual impropriety
- gross impropriety
Example sentences
- "The judge was removed from the case to avoid even the slightest appearance of impropriety." Legal
- "In the Victorian era, even a woman showing her ankles was considered a grave social impropriety." History
Memory hook
'Impropriety' is when you don't act with 'propriety' (properness). Impropriety is 'im' (not) 'proper'.
When not to use
Don't use 'impropriety' for a simple mistake; it usually implies a failure of character or a breach of a formal standard.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'appearance of impropriety' is a key legal standard, meaning that even if you didn't do anything wrong, if it looks like you did, it's still a problem.
Related words
Explore more words
propriety, misconduct, unseemly, malfeasance, impertinence, probity
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