inappropriate

adjective

in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌi-nə-ˈprō-prē-ət 

: not appropriate : unsuitable

inappropriate behavior

The movie's subject matter is inappropriate for small children.

inappropriately adverb

dressed inappropriately

inappropriateness noun

the inappropriateness of his comments

Synonyms

• amiss
• graceless
• improper
• inapposite
• inapt
• incongruous
• incorrect
• indecorous
• inept
• infelicitous
• malapropos
• perverse
• unapt
• unbecoming
• unfit
• unhappy
• unseemly
• unsuitable
• untoward
• wrong

Examples of inappropriate in a Sentence

We won't tolerate such inappropriate behavior.

Her informal manner seemed wholly inappropriate to the occasion.

Recent Examples on the Web

Court documents obtained by PEOPLE cited irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital misconduct as the reason, and Cyrus also sought an annulment on the grounds of fraud. —Brendan Le, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

The general etiquette missteps while attending an event are not RSVP, not being punctual, not bringing a gift, not making a good impression, inappropriate dress code, not knowing when to leave, not sending a thank you card. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

Billboard is apologizing after posting an inappropriate video of pop star Taylor Swift. —Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024

Kaleigh started saying inappropriate things and talking only about boys. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inappropriate

adjective

in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌin-ə-ˈprō-prē-ət 

: not appropriate : unsuitable

inappropriate behavior

inappropriately adverb

inappropriateness noun

Medical Definition

inappropriate

adjective

in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌin-ə-ˈprō-prē-ət 

: abnormal

inappropriate urinary sodium excretion

—K. G. Barry & J. P. Malloy