INDECOROUS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does indecorous mean? 

• INDECOROUS (adjective)
  The adjective INDECOROUS has 2 senses:

1. lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct

2. not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

  Familiarity information: INDECOROUS used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INDECOROUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct

Synonyms:

indecorous; indelicate

Context example:

indecorous behavior

Also:

indecent (offensive to good taste especially in sexual matters)

improper (not suitable or right or appropriate)

Antonym:

decorous (characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct)

Derivation:

indecorousness (a lack of decorum)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society

Synonyms:

indecent; indecorous; unbecoming; uncomely; unseemly; untoward

Context example:

moved to curb their untoward ribaldry

Similar:

improper (not suitable or right or appropriate)

Derivation:

indecorousness (a lack of decorum)

 Context examples 

It was very wrong; very indecorous.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

A crash, a cry, and a laugh from Laurie, accompanied by the indecorous exclamation, Jupiter Ammon!

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

It gave to his intentions whatever of decision was wanting before; and he finally resolved, that it would be absolutely unnecessary, if not highly indecorous, to do more for the widow and children of his father, than such kind of neighbourly acts as his own wife pointed out.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)