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

Notably, the Wourld Tour also marks the return of drummer Brandon Fried, who was previously dismissed from the band in 2022 following allegations of inappropriate conduct. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025

Obscene, offensive, indecent or inappropriate attire. —Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025

In short, you probably won’t be jailed for wearing a hoodie, but appearing on camera in something inappropriate or revealing can carry real legal consequences. —Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2025

However, Dowdle received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for an inappropriate gesture following the score, which pushed the extra point attempt back to a 48-yard effort. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 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