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
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
There are significant worries that AI can readily go off the rails or otherwise dispense unsuitable or even egregiously inappropriate mental health advice.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
According to the report, 27% of AI toy responses were found to be entirely inappropriate for children.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 22 Jan. 2026
No Epstein survivor or associate has ever made a public allegation of wrongdoing or inappropriate behavior by the former president or his wife in connection with his prior relationship with Epstein.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2026
These included no agreements with partners for repaying cash advances from the county; failing to timely reimburse nonprofits in the field for services even when money was available; inadequate controls over contract reviews or cash payments; and inappropriate use of funds.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inappropriate
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Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
According to the report, 27% of AI toy responses were found to be entirely inappropriate for children.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 22 Jan. 2026
No Epstein survivor or associate has ever made a public allegation of wrongdoing or inappropriate behavior by the former president or his wife in connection with his prior relationship with Epstein.
—Lauren Peller, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2026
These included no agreements with partners for repaying cash advances from the county; failing to timely reimburse nonprofits in the field for services even when money was available; inadequate controls over contract reviews or cash payments; and inappropriate use of funds.
—Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inappropriate
Cite this Entry
“Inappropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inappropriate. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
K. G. Barry & J. P. MalloyLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
