Improperly
Improperly adverb - In a mistaken or inappropriate way.
Usage example: the manufacturer's warranty is no longer valid if the appliance is used improperly
Properly is an antonym for improperly.
Nearby Word: improper
Properly
Properly adverb - In a manner suitable for the occasion or purpose.
Usage example: the scouts were properly dressed for a week of camping
Both words in one sentence
- The technical name for this type of book is tête-bêche; it is sometimes improperly called dos-à-dos, which properly refers to an even stranger book style that has two spines.
Source: Double Sided Book -
She reopens the Caspere case after it is improperly closed by Geldof, presumably in collusion with the Vinci government so it can be resolved properly.
Source: Series / True Detective -
Alton shows how to cook them properly in order to ensure that they're actually quite tasty, and often quite easier to prepare properly rather than improperly (which is often what leads to the nasty flavors and textures people dislike anyway).
Source: Series / Good Eats
Cite this Source
Properly and Improperly. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/improperly/properly
Improperly & Properly. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/improperly/properly>.
Properly or Improperly. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/improperly/properly.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "improperly" and "properly" have occurred on timeline