inappropriate

adjective

in·ap·pro·pri·ate | \ ˌi-nə-ˈprō-prē-ət

Definition of inappropriate

: not appropriate : unsuitable inappropriate behavior The movie's subject matter is inappropriate for small children.

Other Words from inappropriate Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about inappropriate

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from inappropriate

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

Moye issued stern rebukes to all of them at one point or another, often for interruptions or statements deemed inappropriate. — Sarah Sarder, Dallas News, "Days after fatal South Dallas shootout, judge grants temporary restraining order on Jim's Car Wash," 6 June 2019 In 1989 and 1991, Cox was questioned by police in the St. Louis area about inappropriate contact with children on two separate occasions, the Riverfront Times reported. — The Washington Post, The Mercury News, "A 9-year-old’s murder stumped police for 25 years. Her killer may have been hiding in plain sight.," 6 June 2019 In 1989 and 1991, Cox was questioned by police in the St. Louis area about inappropriate contact with children on two separate occasions, the Riverfront Times reported. — Antonia Noori Farzan, The Denver Post, "Missouri 9-year-old’s murder went unsolved for 25 years; killer may have been hiding in plain sight before being arrested in Colorado," 6 June 2019 But there are plenty of other examples of how digital assistants react approvingly to inappropriate comments (inappropriate on so many levels). — Noam Cohen, WIRED, "Why Siri and Alexa Weren’t Built to Smack Down Harassment," 6 June 2019 Don't hang your flag backwards, upside down, or in another inappropriate fashion. — Rebecca Deczynski, Good Housekeeping, "The Proper Etiquette for Flying the American Flag, Including on Memorial Day," 10 May 2019 The Democratic National Committee said Wednesday that Fox News won’t host any 2020 Democratic primary debates because of what the committee described as the network’s inappropriate relationship with President Trump. — Ken Thomas, WSJ, "Democrats Won’t Partner With Fox News for Primary Debates," 6 Mar. 2019 Boren has denied any inappropriate behavior but declined a request for an interview, citing poor health, Burke said. — Sean Murphy, The Seattle Times, "Investigation clouds Oklahoma icon’s distinguished legacy," 31 Mar. 2019 Positive Discipline is a method where parents clearly communicate what behaviors are appropriate, which ones are inappropriate, and what the rewards for good behavior and the consequences for bad behavior are. — Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, "What Is Positive Discipline? Experts Say This Method Is Effective at Getting Kids to Behave," 8 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inappropriate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.