noun
impropriety
ihm-pruh-PREYE-ih-tee
noun
1
Behaviour or an action that is unsuitable or improper, especially by breaking a social or moral standard.
"The official resigned after allegations of financial impropriety."
"There was a sense of impropriety in how the meeting was conducted."
How to Use Impropriety
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishImproper or inappropriate behaviour, especially of a moral or professional kind.
When to use it
A fairly formal word, common in news reports about officials, business, or ethics.
Common pairings
financial impropriety
allegations of impropriety
Word Forms
improprieties plural
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The official resigned after allegations of financial _____.
Etymology
From French impropriété, from Latin improprietas; equivalent to improper + -ty.