Unseemly

Alternative forms

• unsemely archaic

Origin

From Middle English unsemli, probably from a partial translation of Old Norse úsǽmiligr ("unseemly"), equivalent to - + seemly. Cognate with Icelandic ósæmileg ("offensive"), Norwegian usømmelig ("unseemly"), Danish usømmeligt ("unseemly").

Full definition of unseemly

Adjective

1. Inconsistent with established standards of good form or taste.He was drunk and made some very unseemly comments.
• Nathaniel HawthorneAn unseemly outbreak of temper.

Antonyms

• seemly

Related terms

• unseemliness