improper
gb/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚ/ us/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚ/
B2
English
~ 8000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
socially or morally unacceptable
Not right or not OK in a social or moral way; not polite or decent.
Usage pattern:
it is improper to [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "improper" when "wrong" or "bad" would sound more natural in everyday speech (e.g., saying "an improper answer" instead of "a wrong answer"). "Improper" is most common for social or moral judgment (improper behavior, improper remarks) and is close to "inappropriate". It is not used for physically unsuitable things like clothes or tools, where "unsuitable" or "not right" is better.
Synonyms
inappropriate (Very close in meaning; slightly broader and more common in everyday use.)
|
indecent (Stronger; often suggests sexual offensiveness or serious lack of modesty.)
|
unseemly (More formal and slightly old-fashioned; often used for behavior that does not fit social expectations.)
Antonyms
proper (General opposite; behavior that follows social and moral rules.)
|
appropriate (Focuses on being suitable or fitting for the situation.)
Collocations
improper behavior
|improper remarks
|improper joke
|improper relationship
|improper advances
Themes
social
|ethics
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The judge warned the lawyer about his improper comments in the courtroom.
- Many people felt that the comedian’s jokes about the accident were deeply improper.
- He was fired for having an improper relationship with a student.
- Making such personal questions at a first meeting is considered improper.
- The manager resigned after reports of improper conduct at company events.
Learner examples
- It is improper to make rude jokes at work.
- The teacher said that their behavior at the party was improper.
- Many people think it is improper to talk loudly on the phone in a train.
- The company does not allow any improper relationships between bosses and workers.
adjective
B2
property
2
incorrect according to rules or method
Wrong because it does not follow the right way, the rules, or the instructions.
Usage pattern:
improper [noun]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this meaning with the social/moral meaning and say "improper" when they only mean something is factually wrong. In everyday English, people usually say "wrong", "incorrect", or "not done properly" instead of "improper" unless they are speaking in a formal or technical context (instructions, safety rules, legal documents).
Synonyms
incorrect (Very close in meaning; more general and slightly more common in everyday use.)
|
faulty (Emphasizes that something does not work correctly, often because of a defect.)
|
irregular (Focuses on not following the normal or required pattern or rules.)
Antonyms
correct (Direct opposite; follows the rules or is factually right.)
|
proper (Stresses being done in the right or officially accepted way.)
Collocations
improper use
|improper installation
|improper handling
|improper storage
|improper procedure
Themes
work
|technology
|law
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The accident was caused by the improper use of safety equipment.
- Food poisoning can result from improper storage of meat and dairy products.
- The report was rejected due to improper formatting and missing signatures.
- Improper installation of the software may lead to data loss.
- The company was fined for improper disposal of chemical waste.
Learner examples
- Improper use of this machine can be dangerous.
- The doctor said my back pain came from improper lifting at work.
- The door broke because of improper installation.
- The police found improper storage of drugs in the factory.
adjective
technical
C1
property
3
mathematical object not proper
In math, used for things like fractions or integrals that do not have the normal "proper" form, for example a fraction where the top number is bigger than or equal to the bottom number.
Usage pattern:
improper [mathematical term]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes mix up "improper fraction" with "mixed number" or think that "improper" here means something morally wrong. In mathematics, "improper" only refers to the form or conditions of the object, not to any social or moral idea.
Synonyms
non-proper (A more literal technical term used in some mathematical writing; less common in everyday classroom language.)
Antonyms
proper (Technical opposite in mathematics, as in proper fraction, proper integral, or proper subset.)
Collocations
improper fraction
|improper integral
|improper subset
Themes
mathematics
|education
|science
Examples
- An improper fraction has a numerator that is greater than or equal to its denominator.
- In calculus, an improper integral often involves an infinite limit or an unbounded function.
- The teacher asked the class to convert each improper fraction into a mixed number.
- Because the set included the whole space, it was considered an improper subset in this context.
- Students often confuse proper and improper integrals when first studying limits.
Learner examples
- Five over three, written 5/3, is an improper fraction.
- The exam had one question about an improper integral.
- We learned how to change an improper fraction into a mixed number.
- The book explains the difference between proper and improper fractions.
Grammar
Dictionary form
improper
IPA
GB/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚ/
US/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚ/
Syllables & stress
im - prop - er (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (prop)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: improper
Word family
Core family
Advanced or less common
propriety
noun C1
impropriety
noun
Expressions
improper advantage
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚ ædvˈæntɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
formal
unfair or unethical benefit
A benefit or help that someone gets in a way that is not fair, not honest, or not legal.
Examples
- The law prohibits officials from using their position to obtain any improper advantage.
- He was accused of giving gifts to gain an improper advantage in the bidding process.
improper behavior
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚ bɪhˈeɪvjɚ/
fixed phrase
socially or morally wrong behavior
Behavior that is not polite or not acceptable in a social or moral way.
Examples
- The employee was warned about his improper behavior toward customers.
- Teachers must report any improper behavior they observe at school.
improper conduct
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚ kˈɑndʌkt/
fixed phrase
formal
rule-breaking or unethical conduct
Actions, especially in a job or official role, that do not follow the rules or moral standards.
Examples
- The officer was suspended for improper conduct during the investigation.
- The committee opened an inquiry into allegations of improper conduct by the minister.
improper fraction
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚ fɹˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
fraction with top number ≥ bottom
A fraction where the top number (numerator) is bigger than or the same as the bottom number (denominator).
Examples
- The teacher asked us to change each improper fraction into a mixed number.
- Seven over four, or 7/4, is an improper fraction.
improper relationship
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚ ɹilˈeɪʃənʃˌɪp/
fixed phrase
socially or ethically wrong relationship
A relationship, often romantic or sexual, that people think is wrong because it breaks social, moral, or work rules.
Examples
- The coach lost his job after reports of an improper relationship with an athlete.
- Journalists questioned whether the judge had an improper relationship with one of the parties.
improper use of
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚ jˈus əv/
fixed phrase
using something in a wrong way
Using something in a way that is not correct, not safe, or not allowed.
Examples
- Improper use of this medicine can cause serious side effects.
- The company was fined for the improper use of customer data.