What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impropriety
Example
The politician's impropriety was exposed by the media. [impropriety: noun]
Example
It would be an impropriety to wear jeans to a formal wedding. [impropriety: noun]
indecency
Example
The comedian's jokes were criticized for their indecency. [indecency: noun]
Example
The movie was rated R for its sexual content and graphic violence. [indecency: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impropriety is more commonly used in formal or professional contexts, such as legal or business settings. Indecency is more commonly used in informal or everyday language, such as in discussions of popular culture or entertainment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between impropriety and indecency?
Impropriety is generally considered more formal than indecency, which has a more casual or colloquial tone. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation and audience.
