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adj

unseemly

adj
1
Not fitting proper standards of behaviour or decorum; improper.
"His unseemly outburst embarrassed the whole family."
"It would be unseemly to discuss money at the funeral."

How to Use Unseemly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishInappropriate or improper given the social situation.

When to use it

A somewhat formal or old-fashioned word, common in polite or literary contexts.

Common pairings
unseemly behaviour unseemly haste in unseemly fashion

Word Forms

unseemlier comparative, more unseemly comparative, unseemliest superlative, most unseemly superlative

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His _____ outburst embarrassed the whole family.

Etymology

From Middle English unsemli, from un- plus seemly, "fitting or proper."

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial