improper

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Unsuitable to needs or circumstances

   Unsuitable to needs or circumstances; inappropriate; inapt.

2. 2

   Not in keeping with conventional mores or good manners

   Not in keeping with conventional mores or good manners; indecent or immodest.

   • improper conduct
3. 3

   Not according to facts

   Not according to facts; inaccurate or erroneous.

4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Not consistent with established facts

      Not consistent with established facts; incorrect.

   2. 5

      Not properly named

      Not properly named; See, for example, improper fraction.

   3. 6

      Not specific or appropriate to individuals

      Not specific or appropriate to individuals; general; common.

      • Not to be adorned with any art but such improper ones as nature is said to bestow, as singing and poetry.
   4. 7

      Of a complex random variable, correlated with its conjugate.

   5. 8

      To appropriate

      To appropriate; to assign (something, to someone) as a possession or prerogative.

      • He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and not the poor.
      • For quotations using this term, see Citations:improper.

The neighborhood

• synonymunproper