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

• amiss
• graceless
• improper
• inapposite
• inapt
• incongruous
• incorrect
• indecorous
• inept
• infelicitous
• malapropos
• perverse
• unapt
• unbecoming
• unfit
• unhappy
• unseemly
• unsuitable
• untoward
• wrong

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

Walking the Talk as a Role Model Too many leaders assume organizational rules don't apply to them, creating double standards and rationalizing inappropriate behavior. —Joseph Folkman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

There was always an inappropriate something happening. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025

The banning of a Chicago White Sox fan from Rate Field for inappropriate heckling of Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte was a good first step, writes Paul Sullivan. —Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025

Still, Hinge, as part of Match Group, is using AI for coaching features that help users improve their profile, choose better photos, and filter inappropriate messages before they’re sent. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 26 June 2025

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