Improprieties
/ˌɪmprəˈpraɪətiz/
nounC1plural
Definition
Improprieties mean things people do that are not polite, right, or acceptable in a certain situation. These can be small mistakes in manners or bigger faults in behavior that break social rules. Usually, improprieties show a lack of respect or care for what is expected.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Actions or behaviors that break social or polite rules
- •The speaker was criticized for several improprieties during the formal event.
- •She apologized for her improprieties at the meeting, saying she didn’t mean to offend anyone.
- •Improprieties in dress can make people feel uncomfortable in professional settings.
Errors or faults in manners or etiquette
- •The guest’s improprieties included interrupting the host and using informal language.
- •Teachers often correct students’ improprieties to help them learn proper behavior.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "improprieties" like "mistakes," but these are about manners or social rules, not just any error.
- ✓Picture someone at a formal dinner using the wrong fork or speaking loudly when others are quiet—these are improprieties.
- ✓It’s the uncomfortable feeling when someone does something you think is rude or wrong in a polite place.
- ✓Sounds like "im-pro-PRY-a-tees" → Imagine someone trying to "im-prove" but instead making mistakes in how they behave.
- ✓Think of a story where a character breaks the rules of a fancy party and everyone notices because it feels wrong.
- ✓NOT like "crime" (which is breaking the law), improprieties are breaking social or polite behavior rules.
- ✓NOT like "accident" (which is unplanned), improprieties often show carelessness or ignorance about proper behavior.
Try Other Words
- •Rudeness: impolite or disrespectful behavior (Use when the behavior is clearly not polite and shows disrespect)
- •Misconduct: wrong or bad behavior, especially in a formal setting (Use when the behavior breaks rules in workplaces or schools)
- •Faux pas: a social mistake that embarrasses someone (Use when the mistake is about social awkwardness or embarrassment)
- •Indecency: behavior that is offensive or not proper (Use when the behavior is morally or socially offensive)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "im-" (not) + root "propriety" (the quality of being proper or correct) + suffix "-ies" (plural form)
- •Etymology: From Latin "proprius" meaning "own, proper," with "im-" making it negative, meaning "not proper"
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe lack of proper behavior or manners, especially in social or formal contexts
- •Modern usage: Used to describe various types of improper behavior, especially in polite society, work, or official settings
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of improprieties do you think are most common in your culture or community?
•How can recognizing improprieties help us improve our social relationships or professional life?
Fill in the blanks
1.The politician was criticized for several improprieties that ___ his reputation in the public eye.
2.Improprieties often make others feel ___ or uncomfortable in formal situations.
3.Unlike a simple mistake, an impropriety usually shows ___ about social rules.
4.Saying something rude during a meeting is an example of an impropriety that can ___ relationships.
5.People often apologize quickly after realizing their improprieties have ___ others.
6.Improprieties can include things like interrupting someone or using ___ language in a formal event.
7.When someone ignores the dress code, it is considered an impropriety that ___ the event’s atmosphere.