Improper

//ɪmˈpɹɒp.ə// adj, verb

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Unsuitable to needs or circumstances; inappropriate; inapt.
  2. 2
    Not in keeping with conventional mores or good manners; indecent or immodest.

    "improper conduct"

  3. 3
    Not according to facts; inaccurate or erroneous.
  4. 4
    Not consistent with established facts; incorrect.
  5. 5
    Not properly named; See, for example, improper fraction.
Show 2 more definitions
  1. 6
    Not specific or appropriate to individuals; general; common. obsolete

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

  2. 7
    Of a complex random variable, correlated with its conjugate.
Adjective
  1. 1
    not appropriate for a purpose or occasion wordnet
  2. 2
    not suitable or right or appropriate wordnet
  3. 3
    not conforming to legality, moral law, or social convention wordnet
Verb
  1. 1
    To appropriate; to assign (something, to someone) as a possession or prerogative. obsolete, transitive

    "He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and not the poor."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle French impropre, from Latin improprius (“not proper”), from in- + proprius (“proper”). By surface analysis, im- + proper.

Etymology 2

From Middle English empropren, perhaps from an unattested Anglo-Norman variant enproprier of Anglo-Norman apropr(i)er, approprier, related to modern French approprier.

Next best steps

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: improper