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 district on June 16 released a statement saying authorities were investigating accusations of inappropriate conduct between a district employee and a former student. — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 24 July 2026

Last year, a man approached college girls wearing these glasses, made inappropriate comments, and posted those videos on social media. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026

The former head of a high-end boarding and day school is accused of prioritizing the school’s reputation over student safety when faced with concerns about a teacher’s inappropriate behavior with girls, according to a Massachusetts prosecutor. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 23 July 2026

Multi-generational expectations around workplace behavior, broader definitions of inappropriate conduct and the expansion of misconduct to include internet and online activity are all reshaping how organizations think about compliance. — Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 23 July 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