adj.
Pronunciation: ( ˌ )in- ' de-k( ə -)r ə s; ˌ in-di- ' ko ̇ r- ə s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin indecorus, from in- + decorus decorous
Date: 1668
: not decorous : conflicting with accepted standards of good conduct or good taste
– in · de · co · rous · ly adverb
– in · de · co · rous · ness noun
synonyms INDECOROUS , IMPROPER , UNSEEMLY , UNBECOMING , INDELICATE mean not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste. INDECOROUS suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners < indecorous behavior>. IMPROPER applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method < improper use of campaign contributions>. UNSEEMLY adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste <remarried with unseemly haste>. UNBECOMING suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status <conduct unbecoming to an officer>. INDELICATE implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling < indelicate expressions for bodily functions>.