inapplicable

adjective

in·​ap·​pli·​ca·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈna-pli-kə-bəl 

 also  ˌi-nə-ˈpli-kə-

: not applicable : irrelevant

inapplicability

(ˌ)i-ˌna-pli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

 also  ˌi-nə-ˌpli-kə-

noun

inapplicably

(ˌ)i-ˈna-pli-kə-blē 

 also  ˌi-nə-ˈpli-kə-

adverb

Synonyms

• extraneous
• immaterial
• impertinent
• inapposite
• irrelative
• irrelevant

Examples of inapplicable in a Sentence

the judge refused to allow mention of the defendant's conviction for shoplifting, ruling that it was inapplicable to the case at hand

Recent Examples on the Web

Another possible argument is the arbitrators’ decision is irrational given the evidence and testimony or, similarly, the arbitrators relied on materials and insights that were inapplicable or vulnerable to bias. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2024

Its primary argument, unsurprisingly, takes on just how outdated and inapplicable the law the FBI has invoked is. —Kim Zetter, WIRED, 25 Feb. 2016

Other factors that are assumed to have rendered modern conquests unprofitable seem similarly inapplicable. —Peter Liberman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2014

Fubo insists the defendants are misconstruing its argument and citing inapplicable precedent. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inapplicable

adjective

in·​ap·​pli·​ca·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈap-li-kə-bəl 

 also  ˌin-ə-ˈplik-ə-

: not applicable : irrelevant

inapplicability

(ˌ)in-ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

 also  ˌin-ə-ˌplik-ə-

noun