25 officers were investigated following allegations of improper conduct.
Mr Matthews maintained that he had done nothing improper.
Synonyms: inappropriate, unfit, unsuitable, out of place More Synonyms of improper
improperlyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
I acted neither fraudulently nor improperly.
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
Improper conditions or methods of treatment are not suitable or good enough for a particular purpose.
[formal]
The improper use of medicine could lead to severe adverse reactions.
Synonyms: incorrect, wrong, inaccurate, false More Synonyms of improper
improperlyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
The study confirmed many reports that doctors were improperly trained.
He had become infected with the disease from an improperly sterilised needle.
3. adjective
If you describe someone's behaviour as improper, you mean that it is rude or shocking.
[old-fashioned, disapproval]
He would never be improper, he is always the perfect gentleman.
Synonyms: indecent, vulgar, suggestive, unseemly More Synonyms of improper
improperlygraded adverb [ADVERB after verb, ADVERB -ed]
Fundamentalist groups have attacked women they regarded as improperly dressed.
improper in British English
(ɪmˈprɒpə)
adjective
1.
lacking propriety; not seemly or fitting
2.
unsuitable for a certain use or occasion; inappropriate
an improper use for a tool
3.
irregular or abnormal
Derived forms
improperly (imˈproperly)
adverb
improperness (imˈproperness)
noun
improper in American English
(ɪmˈprɑpər)
adjective
1.
not suitable for or consistent with the purpose or circumstances; poorly adapted; unfit
2.
not in accordance with the truth, fact, or rule; wrong; incorrect
3.
contrary to good taste or decency; indecorous
4.
not normal or regular
SYNONYMY NOTE: improper, the word of broadest application in this list, refers to anything that is not properor suitable, esp. to that which does not conform to conventional standards; , unseemly applies to that which is improper or inappropriate to the particular situation [her unseemly laughter at the funeral]; unbecoming applies to that which is inappropriate to a certain kind of person, his character,etc. [his rigid views are most unbecoming in a teacher]; indecorous refers to that which violates propriety or good taste in behavior, speech, etc. [his indecorous interruption of their chat]; indelicate implies a lack of propriety or tact and connotes immodesty or coarseness [an indelicate anecdote]; indecent is used of that which is regarded as highly offensive to morals or modesty [indecent exposure]
OPPOSITES: proper, decorous
Derived forms
improperly (imˈproperly)
adverb
improperness (imˈproperness)
noun
Word origin
OFr impropre < L improprius: see in-2 & proper
Examples of 'improper' in a sentence
improper
It is improper conduct and he will be charged.
The Sun (2016)
She has in the past denied any improper relationship.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Many allegations involved improper behaviour by governors.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
It is considering asking the Portuguese for his observations before deciding whether to charge him with improper conduct.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The court should guard against misrepresentation being used as an improper means of reopening a compromise agreement.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
She was suspended after admitting charges of an improper relationship.
The Sun (2016)
Teachers accused of improper behaviour will be granted anonymity unless charges are brought.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
An improper conduct charge was not proven.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Now he is hoping a more formal apology will help him avoid an improper conduct charge.
The Sun (2009)
She signed an agreement that included liability for damage caused by improper use.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Any suggestion that his appointment was due to an improper relationship between us is utterly false.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He was subsequently cleared of improper behaviour.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Parents were not made fully aware of the dangers from improper use.
Tom Cannon Basic Marketing. Principles and Practice (1986)
Many will conclude that amounts to improper use.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He pleaded guilty to the charge of improper use of a motor vehicle.
The Sun (2010)
He could face a further two games out if found guilty of improper conduct for his provocative celebration.
The Sun (2009)
The Bill does not define what an improper purpose is.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
If so, a charge of improper conduct would follow.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He was charged with improper conduct and fined 5,000.
The Sun (2011)
It wouldn't be the first time officials have failed to act on suspicions about improper behaviour either.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The value of the gift or hospitality does not matter, as long as it is not given to induce or reward improper behaviour.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Then, after apologising for his improper behaviour, he phoned and texted her.
The Sun (2016)
In addition, defendant's improper use of the credit cards was linked in time and circumstances with the crime.
Christianity Today (2000)
We have applied for a Judicial review into the matter, which means we feel the council have acted with improper purpose.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Almost half of all jurors do not know what to do if improper conduct, including internet research, emerges when they are sitting on a case.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
In other languages
improper
British English: improper ADJECTIVE
Improper activities are illegal or dishonest.
25 officers were investigated following allegations of improper conduct.