noun

impropriety

im-pruh-PRY-uh-tee/ˌɪmprəˈpraɪəti/

Behavior or a quality that goes against accepted standards of proper conduct.

The woman shows impropriety by resting her shoes beside the dinner plates.

At a neatly set dinner table, a woman reclines with both outdoor shoes resting on the tabletop beside the plates.

Etymology

Latin improprietas supplied a noun for the quality or fact of being improper. English extended this from a quality to an improper thing or act, allowing it to name socially unacceptable behavior.

In context

CrashCourse5:06

it certainly gives the appearance of impropriety when a congressman who receives millions of dollars from the oil industry then works hard to weaken regulations on oil companies

Political Campaigns: Crash Course Government and Politics #39

More examples

The investigation finds no evidence of financial impropriety.
She recognizes the impropriety of discussing his salary in public.
The committee overlooks a few minor improprieties during the ceremony.

Forms

impropriety · improprieties

improper adjective — Not consistent with accepted standards of conduct.

propriety noun — Behavior that follows accepted standards of conduct.

Similar words

misconduct: Usually suggests a more serious breach of rules or duties.
inappropriateness: Emphasizes poor fit for a situation rather than misconduct.