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
Weisz aces the slapstick comedy of being hot and bothered in an inappropriate setting.
—
Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Kamlager-Dove said Noem’s lack of a direct answer raised concerns about her having an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and showed a lack of judgment in national security decisions.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Pittman granted a motion Tuesday finding that arguments of self-defense or defense of others are inappropriate in the trial in connection with the shooting of Alvarado police Lt.
—Emerson Clarridge
updated March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026
That feeling of obsolescence comes to a head when a half-dozen former students lodge complaints of inappropriate behavior against John.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inappropriate
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Alison Herman, Variety, 5 Mar. 2026
Kamlager-Dove said Noem’s lack of a direct answer raised concerns about her having an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and showed a lack of judgment in national security decisions.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Pittman granted a motion Tuesday finding that arguments of self-defense or defense of others are inappropriate in the trial in connection with the shooting of Alvarado police Lt.
—Emerson Clarridge
updated March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026
That feeling of obsolescence comes to a head when a half-dozen former students lodge complaints of inappropriate behavior against John.
—Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 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 10 Mar. 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
