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

• 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

But, as Francis says, there is also a clear need for organizations to ensure that their cultures do not enable inappropriate behavior of whatever kind and to back up their codes with training that is more thorough than just ticking boxes once a year. —Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Sometimes strange fits of inappropriate hunger. —Marco Della Cava, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025

While in flight at 30,000 feet, passengers may exhibit certain behaviors that would be deemed inappropriate on land. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Production on the star's prior film, Being Mortal, was suspended by Searchlight Pictures in 2022 after a staffer filed a complaint against actor Bill Murray, alleging inappropriate behavior. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 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