unseemly
/ n'si:mli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- 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