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

While the exact cause of this condition is not fully understood, vitiligo is believed to be immune-mediated, as the body mounts an inappropriate immune response targeting the melanocytes. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

Any submissions that include profanity or other inappropriate language will not be considered, Washington County officials said. —Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 24 Nov. 2025

It was presented by acclamation as punishment whenever a sports staffer made an inappropriate comment or a joke in poor taste. —Gene Myers, Freep.com, 23 Nov. 2025

Parental controls prevent children from watching inappropriate content. —PC Magazine, 23 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