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

Louden does and says things that are inappropriate in the film. —Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025

Sánchez's bold look sent the internet into a frenzy, with many people feeling the attire was inappropriate for the occasion. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025

She was then hit with an avalanche of racially-tinged backlash calling her moves inappropriate. —Charna Flam, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025

Many thought her outfit choice was inappropriate for such a historic occasion in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025

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