UNSEEMLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does unseemly mean? 

• UNSEEMLY (adjective)
  The adjective UNSEEMLY has 1 sense:

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

  Familiarity information: UNSEEMLY used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNSEEMLY (adjective)

Sense 1

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:

unseemliness (a lack of consideration for others)

 Context examples 

“Very irregular, very unseemly; your master would be far from pleased.”

(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

"Oh, Beth, he's sent you..." began Amy, gesticulating with unseemly energy, but she got no further, for Jo quenched her by slamming down the window.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Miss Murdstone cast down her eyes, shook her head as if protesting against this unseemly interruption, and with frowning dignity resumed: Since I am to confine myself to facts, I will state them as dryly as I can.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Having stripped his robe, I had no choice but to let him have the wearing of my good leathern jerkin and hose, for, as he said, it was chilling to the blood and unseemly to the eye to stand frockless whilst I made my orisons.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)