impropriety

[ im-pruh-prahy-i-tee ]

/ ˌɪm prəˈpraɪ ɪ ti /

the quality or condition of being improper; incorrectness.

inappropriateness; unsuitableness.

unseemliness; indecorousness.

an erroneous or unsuitable expression, act, etc.

an improper use of a word or phrase.

Origin of impropriety

From the Late Latin word improprietās, dating back to 1605–15. See im-², propriety

In these two cases, something other than ideology was, at least ostensibly, at stake—qualifications or some kind of impropriety.

The Supreme Court’s Coming Paralysis |Jeff Greenfield |July 22, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
At some funds, the mere suggestion of impropriety can prove fatal, as investors flee.

The Insider-Trading Cloud Hanging Over SAC Capital’s Steven A. Cohen |Daniel Gross |November 27, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
John Barry on the lonely life of the general—and the early hints of impropriety.

Early Signs of General Petraeus’s Extramarital Affair |John Barry |November 11, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
So far Mitt Romney has run a careful, disciplined campaign that has avoided the slightest whiff of impropriety.

Romney Accepts Maximum Campaign Donation From Man Whose Company Owns Penthouse |Ben Jacobs |February 11, 2012 |DAILY BEAST

Hoover preached that even the appearance of impropriety must be avoided.

Hoover’s Secret Files |Ronald Kessler |August 2, 2011 |DAILY BEAST
Time and reflection caused Captain Whipple to see the impropriety of the traffic and entirely abandon it at an early day.

Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution |L. Carroll Judson
But Louvois felt the impropriety as well as Fénelon, and advised the King not thus to commit himself.

Beacon Lights of History, Volume VII |John Lord
His folly, whether in his actions or speeches, comes under the head of impropriety of intention.

Hazlitt on English Literature |Jacob Zeitlin
Smoking required, impropriety allowed, and complete liberty, with as little music as possible.

Memories of a Musical Life |William Mason
In that case the under garments are never taken off, and no consciousness of impropriety or indelicacy of feeling is manifested.

A New Guide for Emigrants to the West |J. M. Peck

impropriety

/ (ˌɪmprəˈpraɪɪtɪ) /

lack of propriety; indecency; indecorum

an improper act or use

the state of being improper