inapplicable

adjective

in·​ap·​pli·​ca·​ble (ˌ)i-ˈna-pli-kə-bəl 

also ˌi-nə-ˈpli-kə-

: not applicable : irrelevant

The rules are inapplicable in this instance.

inapplicability

(ˌ)i-ˌna-pli-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

also ˌi-nə-ˌpli-kə-

noun

inapplicably

(ˌ)i-ˈna-pli-kə-blē 

also ˌi-nə-ˈpli-kə-

adverb

Synonyms of inapplicable

• irrelevant

Examples of inapplicable in a Sentence

the judge refused to allow mention of the defendant's conviction for shoplifting, ruling that it was inapplicable to the case at hand

Recent Examples on the Web

In a recent conversation with Peter Diamandis, an entrepreneur and executive chairman of the XPrize Foundation, Musk fleshed out his moonshot visions for the future, which have previously included work being completely optional and retirement becoming inapplicable. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 12 June 2026

Like everything else in the Law, exemptions are subject to the General Rule which is that general rules are generally inapplicable. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Here are the kicking motion rules, which the NHL deemed inapplicable given their determination that Hellebuyck propelled the puck into his own net. — Murat Ates, New York Times, 12 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inapplicable

• applicable

Kids Definition

inapplicable

adjective

in·​ap·​pli·​ca·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈap-li-kə-bəl 

also ˌin-ə-ˈplik-ə-

: not applicable : irrelevant

inapplicability

(ˌ)in-ˌap-li-kə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

also ˌin-ə-ˌplik-ə-

noun