# improper vs improve

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### improper
*adjective · IPA /ɪmˈpɹɒp.ə/ · frequency rank #13,366*
Unsuitable to needs or circumstances; inappropriate; inapt.

### improve
*verb · IPA /ɪmˈpɹuːv/ · frequency rank #1,696*
To make (something) better; to increase the value or productivity (of something).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/improper-vs-improve