Improper /(?)/

Im·prop·er

Improper

a.
  1. Not proper; not suitable; not fitted to the circumstances, design, or end; unfit; not becoming; incongruous; inappropriate; indecent; as, an improper medicine; improper thought, behavior, language, dress.
    Follow'd his enemy king, and did him service, Improper for a slave.
    And to their proper operation still, Ascribe all Good; to their improper, Ill.
  2. Not peculiar or appropriate to individuals; general; common. [Obs.]
    Not to be adorned with any art but such improper ones as nature is said to bestow, as singing and poetry.
    — J. Fletcher.
  3. Not according to facts; inaccurate; erroneous.

Phrases & Compounds

Improper diphthong
See under Diphthong.
Improper feud
an original feud, not earned by military service.
Improper fraction
See under Fraction.

Improper

v. t.
  1. To appropriate; to limit. [Obs.]
    He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and not the poor.