improperly

Everyday

1. Improperly means in a wrong or incorrect way, not as it should be done. tree →
2. Improperly means in a way that is not polite, honest or allowed. tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons it warns about things done the wrong way: «improperly stored chemicals», «improperly fitted car seat». In news and law it means breaking rules: «He acted improperly». Phrases: «improperly dressed», «improperly used», «behave improperly».

Examples

• The car seat was fitted improperly, so it was not safe. tree →
• Food stored improperly can make you ill. tree →
• The ladder was used improperly and it slipped. tree →
• The judge said the officer had acted improperly. tree →
• If you wash wool improperly, it shrinks. tree →
• The bin was closed improperly and the foxes got in. tree →
• He was improperly dressed for a wedding, in muddy football kit. tree →

Note

Adverb from «improper». Opposite: «properly». Spelled with two «p»s in the middle: im-prop-er-ly. «Improperly» is a bit formal; in everyday speech people say «the wrong way».