improperly
gb/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚli/ us/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in the wrong way
in a wrong way; not correctly
Usage pattern:
[be] improperly + [past_participle] (e.g., installed/connected/labeled)
Common mistake:
Learners often use improperly for any mistake; for small errors in writing/speaking, incorrectly or wrongly may sound more natural.
Synonyms
incorrectly (Most direct synonym; emphasizes a factual mistake.)
|
wrongly (Common and slightly less formal than incorrectly.)
|
badly (More general; can mean “not well,” not necessarily against rules.)
|
not properly (Everyday phrasing; often interchangeable in this sense.)
Antonyms
properly (Done in the correct or required way.)
|
correctly (Done without mistakes.)
Collocations
improperly installed
|improperly connected
|improperly assembled
|improperly fitted
|improperly calibrated
|improperly labeled
|improperly stored
|improperly handled
|improperly maintained
|improperly cleaned
Themes
daily_life
|work
|instructions
|problems
Examples
- The printer was improperly connected, so it wouldn’t work.
- If the medicine is improperly stored, it may lose its effectiveness.
- The form was improperly filled out and had to be submitted again.
Learner examples
- The machine was improperly installed.
- I answered the question improperly.
adverb
formal
C1
property
2
in an inappropriate way
in a way that is not polite or acceptable
Usage pattern:
improperly + [verb] (e.g., behave/speak/touch)
Common mistake:
Improperly can sound judgmental and formal; in many everyday situations, inappropriately is more common.
Synonyms
inappropriately (Very close; often preferred in modern everyday speech.)
|
unacceptably (Highlights that others would not accept the behavior.)
|
indecently (Stronger; especially about sexual behavior or lack of modesty.)
Antonyms
appropriately (In a suitable way for the situation.)
|
decently (In a socially acceptable and modest way.)
Collocations
behave improperly
|act improperly
|speak improperly
|dress improperly
|touch someone improperly
|comment improperly
|joke improperly
|conduct yourself improperly
Themes
social
|behavior
|etiquette
|emotions
Examples
- The manager apologized for speaking improperly to the staff.
- She complained that the question was improperly personal.
- He was warned not to behave improperly during the ceremony.
Learner examples
- It is rude to act improperly in class.
adverb
formal
C1
property
3
in an unauthorized or unethical way
in a way that is not allowed or honest
Usage pattern:
improperly + [verb/past_participle] (e.g., influence/used/obtained/accessed)
Common mistake:
Improperly does not always mean illegal; it can also mean “against policy” or “unethical.”
Synonyms
illegitimately (Suggests not justified or not obtained by acceptable means.)
|
unlawfully (Stronger; specifically against the law.)
|
wrongfully (Emphasizes that it is not right or fair, often in legal contexts.)
|
unethically (Focuses on moral or professional standards.)
Antonyms
lawfully (Done in a way allowed by law.)
|
legitimately (Done with proper justification or authority.)
|
ethically (Done according to moral or professional standards.)
Collocations
improperly obtained
|improperly used
|improperly accessed
|improperly disclosed
|improperly influence
|improperly awarded
|improperly withheld
|improperly interfere
|improperly benefit
|improperly claim
Themes
law
|business
|government
|ethics
Examples
- The judge ruled that the evidence was improperly obtained.
- An audit found that the funds were improperly used for personal expenses.
- He was accused of improperly influencing the hiring decision.
Learner examples
- They were punished for improperly using company money.
Grammar
Dictionary form
improperly
IPA
GB/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚli/
US/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚli/
Syllables & stress
im - prop - erly (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (prop)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: improperly
- Plural: improperlies
Word family
Expressions
improperly disposed of
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚli dɪspˈoʊzd əv/
fixed phrase
formal
thrown away in the wrong way
thrown away in a way that is not safe or allowed
Examples
- The company was fined because the chemicals were improperly disposed of.
- Improperly disposed of batteries can start fires.
- The report found that medical waste had been improperly disposed of.
improperly dressed
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚli dɹˈɛst/
fixed phrase
formal
wearing unsuitable clothes
wearing the wrong clothes for a situation
Examples
- Visitors who are improperly dressed may be refused entry.
- He felt improperly dressed for the formal dinner.
- She was told she was improperly dressed for the ceremony.
improperly filed
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚli fˈaɪld/
fixed phrase
formal
recorded or submitted incorrectly
filed in the wrong way
Examples
- The application was rejected because it was improperly filed.
- Several complaints were improperly filed under the wrong account.
- The court returned the motion as improperly filed.
improperly installed
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚli ɪnstˈɔld/
fixed phrase
put in the wrong way
installed in the wrong way
Examples
- The smoke alarm was improperly installed and didn’t go off.
- Improperly installed wiring can be a fire risk.
- The software update failed because it was improperly installed.
improperly obtained
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚli əbtˈeɪnd/
fixed phrase
legal
got in an unauthorized way
got in a way that is not allowed
Examples
- The defense argued that the confession was improperly obtained.
- The court excluded the improperly obtained evidence.
- The report relied on improperly obtained personal data.
improperly stored
1/ɪmpɹˈɑpɚli stˈɔɹd/
fixed phrase
kept in the wrong conditions
stored in a wrong place or way
Examples
- Improperly stored food can cause illness.
- The vaccine was discarded because it had been improperly stored.
- The paint went bad after being improperly stored in the heat.