Words / C1

im-PROP-uh/ɪmˈprɒpə/

Improper means not suitable, honest, or in accordance with rules: improper use, improper access. Inappropriate (already in the dictionary) is milder and more social; a styling note is design, not a pack hour.

Meaning

Not suitable, honest, or in accordance with rules.

Examples

• “Improper access to packs before the hour is a breach, not a styling note.”
• “Inappropriate is already in this course and milder. Unseemly is older. Styling is paint. An hour is a clock. Wait for the hour; then open the pack.”

Good to know

Against rules or not suitable. Milder: inappropriate (already in the dictionary). Styling ≠ a pack hour.

Near in meaning

inappropriate

New