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Prepositions after adjectives

Unbecoming of, to, for, in, or as

Unbecoming most commonly takes of. Other prepositions usually belong to separate sentence elements rather than the adjective itself.

Quick answer

Which preposition is used with unbecoming?

Use unbecoming of to say that behaviour is inappropriate for a person. Unbecoming to, unbecoming for, unbecoming in, and unbecoming as are generally not standard patterns after the adjective.

Such language is unbecoming of a teacher.
That reaction was unbecoming of him.
The joke seemed unbecoming of a public official.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
unbecoming of + person/role

Describing inappropriate behaviour

Use unbecoming of to show that behaviour does not suit a person's character, position, or role.

The remarks were unbecoming of a judge.
Such conduct is unbecoming of senior staff.
2
unbecoming in + situation

Using in as a separate context phrase

In can introduce a situation or setting, but it is not the normal complement selected by unbecoming.

His anger seemed unbecoming in a formal ceremony.
The behaviour looked unbecoming in that professional setting.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
unbecoming of
That tone is unbecoming of a manager.
standard pattern meaning unsuitable or inappropriate
unbecoming to
The phrase unbecoming to a manager is uncommon in current standard English.
generally avoided after unbecoming
unbecoming for
The phrase unbecoming for a manager is generally nonstandard.
not the usual adjective pattern
unbecoming as
Unbecoming as a leader sounds unnatural in standard English.
as normally introduces a role elsewhere in the sentence

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using to instead of of

Standard English uses unbecoming of.

✕ That behaviour was unbecoming to an officer. ✓ That behaviour was unbecoming of an officer.

Using for as the main pattern

For is not the usual complement after unbecoming.

✕ The comment was unbecoming for a host. ✓ The comment was unbecoming of a host.

Confusing in with the adjective pattern

In may describe the setting, not the adjective complement.

✓ His shouting seemed unbecoming in such a quiet place.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. Such behaviour is unbecoming ___ a doctor.
2. Which sentence sounds standard?
3. In the sentence 'His reaction looked unbecoming in public,' what does in public express?

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Frequently asked questions

Is unbecoming formal?

Yes. It is more common in formal or literary English.

Can unbecoming be used without a preposition?

Yes. For example: The outfit looked unbecoming.

What does unbecoming mean?

It means unsuitable, improper, or not fitting for someone.

ubiquitous in, on, across, throughout or for? "ugly in", "ugly for" or "ugly of"? ultimate in, of, for, on or as? "unacceptable to", "unacceptable in" or "unacceptable for"? unaccounted for unaccustomed to or in? unacquainted with unaffected by, in, for or with? "unaffordable for" or "unaffordable to"? unanimous in, on, about, regarding or for? "unattractive to" or "unattractive for"? "unavailable for" or "unavailable to"?

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