improper purpose

collocation in English

meaningsofimproperandpurpose

These words are often used together. Click on the links below to explore the meanings. Or,see other collocations withpurpose.
improper
adjective
uk
/ɪmˈprɒp.ər/us
/ɪmˈprɑː.pɚ/
formal
dishonest and against a law or ...
See more atimproper
purpose
noun
uk
/ˈpɜː.pəs/us
/ˈpɝː.pəs/
why you do something or why ...
See more atpurpose

(Definition ofimproperandpurposefrom theCambridge English Dictionary© Cambridge University Press)

Examplesofimproper purpose

These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.
It ought not to be possible for anybody to make a private limited company for anyimproperpurpose.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
We will not sell to a country that will use arms for animproperpurpose.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
I am informed that this is considered a serious prison offence, pointing to someimproperpurpose.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
They seem to think that retribution is almost animproperpurposeof punishment.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
He said that there was no evidence ofimproperpurpose, no set pattern or bias towards marginal wards.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
It might be a company which is used for a veryimproperpurpose.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
Therefore, if a station existed for animproperpurpose, he could close it down by refusing a licence.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
There is no question of bail being used for anyimproperpurpose, and indeed it is difficult to see how it could be.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
I also think that if an undergraduate of twenty loitered in a public place for animproperpurposehe, if found guilty, would be sent down.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
It would be "working the apparatus" if it were put up for the express purpose of getting into communication with some outside centre for animproperpurpose.
From the
Hansard archive
Example from the Hansard archive. Contains Parliamentary information licensed under theOpen Parliament Licence v3.0
Note that theimproperpurposeor the irrelevant consideration must be such as to materially influence the decision.
From
Wikipedia
This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.
However, the right is not absolute and may be denied when the entity seeking to view the records has animproperpurpose.
From
Wikipedia
This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.
Second, we have found no evidence that information contained in the files of former officials was used for animproperpurpose.
From
Wikipedia
This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.
Where theimproperpurposeis not of such material influence, the authority may be held to be acting within its lawful discretion.
From
Wikipedia
This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.
But if the sole purpose was to destroy a voting majority, or block a takeover bid, that would be animproperpurpose.
From
Wikipedia
This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.
Simply because a transaction is entered for animproperpurposedoes not make it ultra vires.
From
Wikipedia
This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.
To his bitter dismay, his captain had it removed instantly saying he was sure the topmen would use it for animproperpurpose.
From
Wikipedia
This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.
Constitutionally improper purposes need not be prejudiced or immoral.
From theCambridge English Corpus
About 1780, one captain removed a canvas voice pipe installed by an imaginative midshipman saying he was sure the topmen would use it for animproperpurpose.
From
Wikipedia
This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.
Petitioning is immune from liability even if there is animproperpurposeor motive.
From
Wikipedia
This example is from Wikipedia and may be reused under a CC BY-SA license.
These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.
Want to learn more?
Go to the definition ofimproper
Go to the definition ofpurpose
See other collocations withpurpose