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 of inappropriate

• unsuitable
• improper
• incorrect
• wrong
• unhappy
• unfit
• irrelevant

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

Others, however, said naming the animal after the president was inappropriate. —Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026

The page anonymously issued opinions and news tidbits, and notably called out Gagosian director Sam Orlofsky for inappropriate workplace behavior; Orlofsky was dismissed shortly thereafter. —News Desk, Artforum, 1 June 2026

Critics of drag queen story times argue that the events are inappropriate for children and don’t belong in public settings because of concerns around sexualization and grooming. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 1 June 2026

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, 1 June 2026

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