improper

Not suitable for a particular situation or purpose.

• Improper storage can damage the food.
• The machine broke because of improper use.
• They warned us about improper handling of the equipment.

Similar words: inappropriate, unsuitable

Opposites: proper, suitable

Common phrases: improper use, improper storage, improper handling

Against accepted rules of polite or decent behavior.

• He apologized for his improper remarks.
• The teacher was accused of improper conduct.
• They thought her relationship with the official was improper.

Similar words: indecent, unseemly

Opposites: proper

Common phrases: improper conduct, improper behavior, improper remarks

Not correct or not matching the facts.

• The report gives an improper description of the event.
• His argument rests on an improper statement of the facts.
• The old catalogue used an improper name for the species.

Similar words: incorrect, inaccurate, erroneous

Opposites: correct, accurate

Common phrases: improper statement, improper description, improper conclusion