/ ɪmˈprɒpə(r); NAmE -ˈprɑːp-/ adjective
1.
dishonest, or morally wrong :
improper business practices
improper conduct
There was nothing improper about our relationship (= it did not involve sex) .
OPP proper
2.
( formal ) not suited or appropriate to the situation
SYN inappropriate :
It would be improper to comment at this stage.
OPP proper
3.
wrong; not correct :
improper use of the drug
► im·prop·er·ly adverb :
to behave improperly
He was improperly dressed for the occasion.
improperly cooked meat
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from French impropre or Latin improprius , from in- not + proprius one's own, proper.