unbecoming

[ uhn-bi-kuhm-ing ]

/ ˌʌn bɪˈkʌm ɪŋ /

detracting from one's appearance, character, or reputation; unattractive or unseemly: an unbecoming hat; unbecoming language.

Origin of unbecoming

First recorded in 1590–1600; un-¹ + becoming

unapt, unsuitable, unfit. See improper.

un·be·com·ing·ly, adverb un·be·com·ing·ness, noun

The anachronism sat not unbecomingly upon him, and the voice was precisely that of the Christopher Julian of heretofore.

The Hand of Ethelberta |Thomas Hardy
Her hair was unbecomingly put up, and it was evident that she disdained cosmetics of any kind, even the innocent rice powder.

The Nervous Housewife |Abraham Myerson
She had bulging eyes—which are not emphasized in the flattering portrait by Gerard—and her hair was unbecomingly dressed.

Famous Affinities of History, Vol 1-4, Complete |Lyndon Orr
"You find me very unhappy," said she, drying her eyes (gently, so as not to make them unbecomingly red).

Contraband |G. J. Whyte-Melville

Her mouth dropped, not unbecomingly; her eyes were so liquid that he could have sworn they had tears in them.

The Divine Fire |May Sinclair

unbecoming

/ (ˌʌnbɪˈkʌmɪŋ) /

unsuitable or inappropriate, esp through being unattractive an unbecoming hat

(when postpositive, usually foll by of or an object) not proper or seemly (for) manners unbecoming a lady

unbecomingly, adverb unbecomingness, noun