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

The league’s reason for not punishing Morant was understanding his intent behind the gesture wasn’t violent, but Morant was advised to refrain from using the inappropriate celebration. —The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

Is the ‘Minecraft’ movie inappropriate? Not particularly. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025

Read Next Boise & Garden City Ada County Highway District censures commissioner for ‘inappropriate, inflammatory’ posts April 1, 2025 4:40 PM This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 1:52 PM. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 3 Apr. 2025

There are no perfect victims, and inappropriate behavior, especially in the workplace, can be complicated and deeply upsetting. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025

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