inapplicable

1 of 2

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

inapplicability

2 of 2

noun

in·​applicability (¦)in 

ən+

: the condition of being inapplicable

Synonyms of inapplicable

Adjective

• irrelevant

Examples of inapplicable in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

False endorsement and misappropriation, FanDuel could insist, are inapplicable to a personalized video setting where the video’s talent voluntarily assents in exchange for compensation. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 July 2026

The LLCs contested, arguing the alter ego finding was inapplicable and Illinois law didn't permit such piercing in supplementary proceedings. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

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

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

Adjective

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