INAPPROPRIATE Synonyms: 120 Similar and Opposite Words

inappropriate

adjective

ˌi-nə-ˈprō-prē-ət

Definition of inappropriate

as in unsuitable

not appropriate for a particular occasion or situation a bathing suit is inappropriate dress for strolling the streets of this seaside village

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of inappropriate If women are an important customer group for a brand, for instance, its guidelines should provide guidance about appropriate and inappropriate ways to talk about or depict women. — Sonia Thompson, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 The Department of the Interior, which includes the National Park Service, acknowledged in a statement to The Times on Friday that a land deal is under consideration, but denied any inappropriate influence from the White House. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 The defense has criticized aspects of Clancy’s care, suggesting the treating psychiatrist missed diagnoses, that telehealth visits are inherently inferior, and that inappropriate medication changes were made. — Renee Sorrentino, STAT, 28 Aug. 2026 The father told police that Partee had exchanged inappropriate messages with his son on Instagram. — Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inappropriate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inappropriate

Adjective

Guy acknowledges, though, that this could lead to the level of chaos depicted in a memorable 2009 episode of The Office, where staff show up in an array of unsuitable outfits.

— Chloe Veltman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
That could allow geothermal projects to operate in locations that have traditionally been considered unsuitable for geothermal development.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of unsuitable

Adjective

The tactic is especially prevalent among the department’s elite Metropolitan Division and anti-gang units, several of which have come under investigation in recent years for failing to document the stops and improper searches.

— Hailey Wang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Green curry, red curry and peanut sauce had to be thrown out as they were improperly stored and held at improper temperatures.

— Joseph Hernandez August 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of improper

Adjective

Garcia and fellow Democrats are mindful of what’s driving unhappy voters who face a vexing mix of inflation and weak economic growth.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Sometimes kids performing things on TV look unhappy or awkward, but this girl seems to genuinely enjoy singing while her dad plays guitar.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of unhappy

Adjective

The complaint also alleges Wendy's failed to warn customers of the alleged danger and served food that was unfit for human consumption.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
His reelection campaign has been rocked by the allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and her senator dad, who says Miller is unfit to serve in Congress.

— Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of unfit

Adjective

Catherine and Alice are such complicated figures that the word likable seems irrelevant to them.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026
Markets may decide that the long lead time required to rebuild Venezuelan production makes the agreement largely irrelevant to near-term supply.

— Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026