improper Meaning, Definition & Usage

adjective not suitable or right or appropriate
- slightly improper to dine alone with a married man
- improper medication
- improper attire for the golf course
adjective satellite not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention
unlawful; unconventional.
- an unconventional marriage
- improper banking practices
adjective satellite not appropriate for a purpose or occasion
wrong.
- said all the wrong things

F. impropre, L. improprius; pref. im- not + proprius proper. See Proper.

Not proper; not suitable; not fitted to the circumstances, design, or end; unfit; not becoming; incongruous; inappropriate; indecent; as, an improper medicine; improper thought, behavior, language, dress.
Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service, Improper for a slave. Shak.

And to their proper operation still, Ascribe all Good; to their improper, Ill. Pope.
Not peculiar or appropriate to individuals; general; common. Obs.
Not to be adorned with any art but such improper ones as nature is said to bestow, as singing and poetry. J. Fletcher.
Not according to facts; inaccurate; erroneous.

To appropriate; to limit. Obs.
He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and not the poor. Jewel.