unbecoming

unbecoming [uhn-bi-kuhm-ing] SynonymsExamplesWord Origin adjective

1. detracting from one’s appearance, character, or reputation; unattractive or unseemly: an unbecoming hat; unbecoming language.

Origin of unbecoming First recorded in 1590–1600; un-1 + becoming Related formsun·be·com·ing·ly, adverbun·be·com·ing·ness, nounSynonyms for unbecoming unapt, unsuitable, unfit. See improper. Examples from the Web for unbecomingly Historical Examples of unbecomingly

I would not wish to be unbecomingly attired on so joyous an occasion.

Quaint Courtships

Various

Why did you come so mysteriously, and, I must say, unbecomingly?

The Hand of Ethelberta

Thomas Hardy

For just look at the reveller Alcibiades, how unbecomingly he behaves.

The Deipnosophists, or Banquet of the Learned of Athenus

Athenus

They have grown older, some gracefully, some under protest, some most unbecomingly.

Don Orsino

F. Marion Crawford

We learn with sorrow, that our curate has confessed to unbecomingly behaviour, and that he has been seen even kissing.

Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 61, No. 378, April, 1847

Various

British Dictionary definitions for unbecomingly unbecoming adjective

1. unsuitable or inappropriate, esp through being unattractivean unbecoming hat
2. (when postpositive, usually foll by of or an object) not proper or seemly (for)manners unbecoming a lady

Derived Formsunbecomingly, adverbunbecomingness, noun Word Origin and History for unbecomingly unbecoming adj.

1590s, from un- (1) “not” + becoming “fitting.”