unseemly — not proper or appropriate for the circumstances; lacking in dignity or propriety
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not proper or appropriate for the circumstances; lacking in dignity or propriety
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈsiːmli/
Example Sentences
- The politician's unseemly rush to claim credit for the rescue operation backfired spectacularly
- My cat thinks it's perfectly normal to groom himself during dinner, but I find it rather unseemly table manners
- It's unseemly for a judge to discuss ongoing cases at cocktail parties
unseemly
ADJECTIVE[/ʌnˈsiːmli/]
not proper or appropriate for the circumstances; lacking in dignity or propriety
behavior that is not proper or appropriate for the circumstances, lacking in dignity
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English (14th century), combining the prefix 'un-' with 'seemly.' The word 'seemly' comes from Old Norse 'soemr' meaning 'fitting' or 'appropriate.'
Breakdown
un- (not/opposite) + seem (to be fitting/appropriate) + -ly (adverb/adjective suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The politician's unseemly rush to claim credit for the rescue operation backfired spectacularly”
“My cat thinks it's perfectly normal to groom himself during dinner, but I find it rather unseemly table manners”
“It's unseemly for a judge to discuss ongoing cases at cocktail parties”
“His unseemly excitement about his ex-girlfriend's breakup made everyone at the reunion uncomfortable”
📚Related Words
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