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 of inappropriate

• unsuitable
• improper
• incorrect
• wrong
• unhappy
• unfit
• irrelevant

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

There are significant worries that AI can readily go off the rails or otherwise dispense unsuitable or even egregiously inappropriate mental health advice. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

The Parent Club also recommends apps such as Bark and Kidslox, which allow parents to set limits, monitor activity and help protect children from inappropriate online content or behaviors. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026

This move insurers to eliminate the recognition of individual patient complexity will result in inadequate staffing and inappropriate payment reductions. —Dr. John Guzzi, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026

The court’s ruling was based, mainly, on a flurry of inappropriate remarks Hill made to jurors as the defense began its case. —James Lasdun, New Yorker, 26 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inappropriate

• appropriate

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