Read the passage from Etiquette, by Emily Post.
New York's bad manners are often condemned and often very deservedly. Even though the cause is carelessness rather than intentional indifference, the indifference is no less actual and the rudeness inexcusable.
What is the closest meaning of the underlined phrase as it used in the excerpt?
- carefully scrutinized
- justifiably criticized
- undeniably improper
- thoroughly convincing