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- DictionaryUn·seem·ly/ˌənˈsēmlē/
adjective
- 1. (of behavior or actions) not proper or appropriate: "an unseemly squabble"
The meaning of UNSEEMLY is not seemly. How to use unseemly in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Unseemly.
not seemly; not in keeping with established standards of taste or proper form; unbecoming or indecorous in appearance, speech, conduct, etc.: an unseemly act; unseemly behavior. Synonyms: unbefitting, inappropriate. inappropriate for time or place: an unseemly hour.
Something that is inappropriate or unacceptable behavior is unseemly. It's a gentler, somewhat nicer word for "inappropriate" than its synonyms, the "in" words: "indecent, indecorous, indelicate, inelegant, inept" — well, you get the idea.
adjective. formal uk / ʌnˈsiːm.li / us / ʌnˈsiːm.li / Add to word list. not seemly (= socially suitable and polite) Synonyms. indecent. indecorous formal. unbecoming. Opposites. decent. seemly old-fashioned. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Unsuitable and unacceptable. amiss. be in bad, poor, the worst possible, etc. taste idiom.
adjective. formal us / ʌnˈsiːm.li / uk / ʌnˈsiːm.li / Add to word list. not seemly (= socially suitable and polite) Synonyms. indecent. indecorous formal. unbecoming. Opposites. decent. seemly old-fashioned. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Unsuitable and unacceptable. amiss. be in bad, poor, the worst possible, etc. taste idiom.
What is unseemly reflects badly on one's manners or morals: an unseemly outburst; married in unseemly haste. Improper often refers to unethical conduct, a breach of etiquette, or morally offensive behavior: improper business practices; improper behavior at the dinner table.
If you say that someone's behaviour is unseemly, you disapprove of it because it is not polite or not suitable for a particular situation or occasion. [ literary , disapproval ] It would be unseemly for judges to receive pay increases when others are struggling.
