Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper; inappropriate or indecorous: Describes behavior, actions, or appearances that violate social norms, etiquette, or propriety, often causing offense or embarrassment.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • His loud laughter during the solemn ceremony was considered unseemly.
  • It would be unseemly for a judge to publicly endorse a political candidate.
  • The guests were shocked by the host's unseemly display of anger.

Advanced Usage

• "unseemly haste": excessive or inappropriate speed in doing something, especially when it shows a lack of proper respect or consideration.
  • The company's unseemly haste to lay off employees damaged its public image.
• "unseemly conduct": behavior that is improper or unbecoming for a particular role or situation.
  • The senator was criticized for unseemly conduct during the official hearing.

Variants and Related Words

• Unseemliness (noun): The quality or state of being unseemly.
  • The unseemliness of the argument spoiled the festive atmosphere.
• Seemly (adjective): Conforming to accepted standards of good taste or propriety; proper. (This is the direct antonym).
  • She always behaves in a seemly manner at formal events.

Synonyms

• Indecorous: Not in keeping with good taste and propriety; improper.
• Unbecoming: Not fitting or appropriate; unsuitable, especially for a particular person or role.
• Improper: Not in accordance with accepted rules or standards.
• Indecent: Offending against generally accepted standards of propriety or morality.

Antonyms

• Seemly: Proper and appropriate.
• Decorous: In keeping with good taste and propriety; polite and restrained.
• Proper: Correct according to social or moral rules.
• Appropriate: Suitable or proper in the circumstances.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Beneath one's dignity: Considered to be unworthy of one's social or professional status, often implying the action is unseemly.
  • He felt that arguing in public was beneath his dignity.
• Not the done thing: A phrase indicating that an action is not socially acceptable or proper; it is unseemly.
  • Wearing jeans to the wedding is simply not the done thing.

Adjective

1. not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
   • was buried with indecent haste
   • indecorous behavior
   • language unbecoming to a lady
   • unseemly to use profanity
   • moved to curb their untoward ribaldry