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Improper vs Inadequate - What's the difference?

improper | inadequate |

As adjectives the difference between improper and inadequate

is that improper is unsuitable to needs or circumstances; inappropriate; inapt while inadequate is not adequate; unequal to the purpose; insufficient; deficient; as, inadequate resources, power, conceptions, representations, etc.

As a verb improper

is to appropriate; to limit.

improper

English

Alternative forms

* impropre (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • unsuitable to needs or circumstances; inappropriate; inapt
  • Not in keeping with conventional mores or good manners; indecent or immodest
  • Not according to facts; inaccurate or erroneous
  • Not consistent with established facts; incorrect
  • Not properly named; See, for example, improper fraction
  • (obsolete) Not specific or appropriate to individuals; general; common.
  • * J. Fletcher
    • Not to be adorned with any art but such improper ones as nature is said to bestow, as singing and poetry.

    Derived terms

    * improper divisor * improper face * improper fit * improper fraction * improper integral * improper motion * improper node * improper orthogonal transformation * improper rotation * improper use * improper workmanship

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To appropriate; to limit.
  • * Jewel
    • He would in like manner improper and inclose the sunbeams to comfort the rich and not the poor.
  • (obsolete) To behave improperly
    • (Webster 1913)

    inadequate

    English

    Alternative forms

    * (archaic)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Not adequate; unequal to the purpose; insufficient; deficient; as, inadequate resources, power, conceptions, representations, etc.
  • * 2013 June 18, , " Protests Widen as Brazilians Chide Leaders," New York Times (retrieved 21 June 2013):
    • In a convulsion that has caught many in Brazil and beyond by surprise, waves of protesters denounced their leaders for dedicating so many resources to cultivating Brazil’s global image by building stadiums for international events, when basic services like education and health care remain woefully inadequate .