unbecoming

Unbecoming is an adjective used to describe conduct, appearance, or qualities that are not appropriate, fitting, or proper in a given context. It is often applied to behavior or dress that fails to meet accepted standards of decorum or propriety.

The term derives from the verb become, meaning to be suitable or proper; with the prefix un-, unbecoming denotes lack of suitability. The word has a long history in English, appearing in moral, social, and legal discourse and often conveying a judgment about propriety.

Unbecoming is typically used with nouns such as conduct, dress, or behavior, as in unbecoming conduct or unbecoming attire. The common construction for reference to a person is unbecoming of someone, as in “that would be unbecoming of a gentleman.” The phrasing can vary, with phrases like unbecoming for or unbecoming to sometimes heard in modern usage, though they are less standard and can carry a formal or old-fashioned tone.

In usage, unbecoming signals disapproval of traits deemed inappropriate for a role, status, or setting, rather than a neutral description. It can appear in literary writing, journalism, or formal commentary, and is often contrasted with seemly or becoming.

Related terms include unbecomingness (rare) and its synonyms improper, unfitting, inappropriate, and unseemly. Antonyms include becoming, seemly, and appropriate.