What does immodest mean?
Immodest means lacking modesty and can describe someone who is overly confident, boastful, or presumptuous. It also applies to behavior, clothing, gestures, proposals, and claims that are considered excessive, inappropriate, or indecent. The word often carries a critical or disapproving tone: an immodest claim sounds exaggerated, while an immodest remark may seem bold, flirtatious, or socially improper. Although “immodest” can sometimes suggest simple rudeness or overconfidence, it frequently implies a failure of restraint or decorum. In a general sense, the word is useful for describing conduct that oversteps the boundaries of humility or good taste, while in more specific contexts it identifies behavior or presentation considered unsuitable because it is too revealing or sexually suggestive.
adjectiveNot modest; lacking humility, reserve, or decorum. It can describe boastful or presumptuous behavior, claims, or attitudes, as well as clothing, gestures, or behavior considered inappropriate or overly revealing.
- Lacking modesty; boastful, presumptuous, or lacking restraint.
- Inappropriate, excessive, or indecent in relation to behavior, dress, or display.
"The advertisement made an immodest claim about the product's superiority."
"She dismissed the criticism with an immodest display of confidence."
"The committee rejected the immodest proposal without extended discussion."
An immodest claim may be loud, but the word also points to anything that crosses the line of good taste.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does immodest come from?
Immodest comes from the Latin prefix im-, meaning “not,” combined with modestus, the source of English “modest” and “modesty.” The word entered English during the early 17th century, initially meaning “unrestrained” or “insolent.” Its later use for conduct or attire that violates conventional standards of propriety broadened the word's sense from social boldness to indecency or excess.
Related word forms
How immodest is actually used
The adjective can be used in formal contexts to describe excessive confidence, boldness, or claims, but it is also used conversationally to mean overly familiar or suggestive. When referring to clothing or behavior, it usually implies a breach of social propriety rather than merely poor taste.
Easily confused with immodest
Modest describes a person or thing that is humble, unassuming, or within socially acceptable limits, whereas immodest describes a lack of such restraint or propriety.