impropriety
noun
im·pro·pri·e·ty
ˌim-p(r)ə-ˈprī-ə-tē 
plural improprieties
1
: an improper or indecorous act or remark
accused of financial improprieties
The judge recused herself to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
especially
: an unacceptable use of a word or of language
2
: the quality or state of being improper
shocked by the impropriety of their language
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
Amid the allegations of impropriety and conflicts of interest though, the program at George Mason University has scarcely been noticed.
—
Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 2 May 2026
Based on evidence found in the initial weeks, the school and law firm still needed actual proof of improprieties, and not having to base their claims on scuttlebutt around the facility.
—Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Stewart’s successor, Mayor Bobby Sanchez, a Democrat, suspended Blogoslawski in February amid allegations of improprieties, including the careless handling of cash and the backdating of tax payments to avoid interest penalties.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
Allegations of impropriety within SPLC’s ranks date back further.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
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Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 2 May 2026
Based on evidence found in the initial weeks, the school and law firm still needed actual proof of improprieties, and not having to base their claims on scuttlebutt around the facility.
—Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Stewart’s successor, Mayor Bobby Sanchez, a Democrat, suspended Blogoslawski in February amid allegations of improprieties, including the careless handling of cash and the backdating of tax payments to avoid interest penalties.
—Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
Allegations of impropriety within SPLC’s ranks date back further.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impropriety
Cite this Entry
“Impropriety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impropriety. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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