inappropriate

adjective

in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌi-nə-ˈprō-prē-ət How to pronounce inappropriate (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But lingering beneath the surface of his success, Favre had a pattern of inappropriate behavior off the field, including a high-profile tabloid scandal that erupted in 2010, and most recently, the largest case of public fraud in Mississippi’s history. Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 As the rebel Jen (Michelle Williams) comes to town, and Pacey (Joshua Jackson) carries on an inappropriate relationship with his teacher, that turns out to be the case. 23. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 The Indianapolis Colts have found themselves in some hot water following an inappropriate NFL schedule release video. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 Carter Verhaeghe strikes again ▪ NHL suspends Panthers exec for ‘unacceptable and inappropriate’ social media posts This story was originally published May 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inappropriate

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inappropriate was in 1804

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inappropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inappropriate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

inappropriate

adjective
in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌin-ə-ˈprō-prē-ət How to pronounce inappropriate (audio)
: not appropriate : unsuitable
inappropriate behavior
inappropriately adverb
inappropriateness noun

Medical Definition

inappropriate

adjective
in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌin-ə-ˈprō-prē-ət How to pronounce inappropriate (audio)
: abnormal
inappropriate urinary sodium excretionK. G. Barry & J. P. Malloy

More from Merriam-Webster on inappropriate

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