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

The Laurel Highlands School District board is bringing in outside counsel to review ongoing investigations after two teachers have been accused of having inappropriate relationships with students. —Mike Darnay, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026

Separately, Ryals allegedly admitted to inappropriate contact with the victim while alone at the Howe Fire Station, court documents said. —Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026

Mottola has not been accused of any crime and none of the victims associated with Epstein have accused him of inappropriate behavior. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2026

Peoria Unified School District is moving to fire a teacher, Haley Beck, for an inappropriate relationship with a student. —Erick Trevino, AZCentral.com, 31 Mar. 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