impropriety

Everyday

1. Behaviour that is not right, honest or acceptable, especially for someone in an important job. tree →
2. (formal) A small wrong or rude act that breaks the rules of good behaviour. tree →

In the lessons

In news and formal speech, a politician, official or business is accused of «financial impropriety» when they handle money dishonestly. In old-fashioned stories, it means bad manners. Phrases: financial impropriety, no impropriety, accused of impropriety, the appearance of impropriety.

Examples

• The official was accused of financial impropriety. tree →
• An inquiry found no impropriety in how the money was spent. tree →
• The judge stepped away to avoid any appearance of impropriety. tree →
• In old novels, being alone with a stranger was seen as an impropriety. tree →
• The club's treasurer was cleared of impropriety. tree →
• The coach was careful to avoid any impropriety in choosing the team. tree →

Note

Formal word. Adjective: «improper»; opposite: «propriety». Pronounced im-pruh-PRY-uh-tee. Being accused of impropriety does not mean being proved guilty.