inapt

in·apt

adjective \(ˌ)i-ˈnapt\

Definition of INAPT

: not apt:

a : not suitable <an inapt analogy>

b : inept

— in·apt·ly \-ˈnap(t)-lē\ adverb

— in·apt·ness \-nəs\ noun

Examples of INAPT

1. <an inapt but well-meaning attempt to inject some humor into the proceedings>
2. <a recruit who was utterly inapt for most soldierly duties, so he spent most of his time playing in the army band>

First Known Use of INAPT

circa 1670

Related to INAPT

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

appropriate, becoming, befitting, correct, decorous, felicitous, fit, fitting, genteel, happy, meet, proper, right, seemly, suitable

Related Words

inopportune, unfortunate, unseasonable, untimely; extraneous, immaterial, inapplicable, irrelative, irrelevant; misbecoming, mismatched; incompatible, inconsistent, uncongenial; bad, naughty, sinful; blamable, blameworthy, censurable; banned, barred, disallowed; forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed; awkward, gauche, ungraceful; unacceptable, unsatisfactory

Near Antonyms

fortunate, opportune, seasonable, timely; applicable, apposite, apropos, apt, germane, material, pat, pointed, relative, relevant; compatible, congenial, harmonious; allowed, authorized, permitted; approved, endorsed (also indorsed), kosher, licensed, sanctioned; abetted, encouraged, promoted, supported; acceptable, adequate, all right, decent, fine, OK (or okay), passable, respectable, satisfactory, tolerable; commendable, creditable, exemplary; blameless, irreproachable; balanced, companionate, congruous, consonant, harmonious

Rhymes with INAPT

adapt, black-capped, coapt, dewlapped, enrapt, snowcapped, unapt, untapped