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 The chain reaction started when Michigan fired Moore, citing an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 From the seasonally inappropriate hot springs of Beitou to the glossy, souvenir-flogging halls of Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, the plot of this coming-of-age story doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable realities of traveling abroad. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026 Within minutes, the profile received follow requests, inappropriate direct messages and lewd video calls from adult men. — Titania Jordan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026 There are inappropriate procedures and tests, inefficient scheduling, and unused or wasted supplies, to name a few. — Cassandra Thiel, STAT, 8 Sep. 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

Common exclusions can include pre-existing conditions, improper maintenance or installation, structural problems and certain issues involving rust, corrosion or sediment buildup.

— Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026
Medicare, Medicaid, the Earned Income Tax Credit and SNAP were the four government programs with the highest amount of improper payments in 2025.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of improper

Adjective

But when an oblong ball hits the turf, there’s often an equal chance the other team will recover, so Harbaugh was predictably unhappy with his team’s four fumbles against Dallas.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
There's also the daunting task of keeping young conservatives engaged at a time when many of them are unhappy with party leaders.

— Elena Moore, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of unhappy

Adjective

At the Premier League’s semi-regular meetings between heads of recruitment some have argued that the five-step process is outdated and unfit for purpose.

— Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
But in Meriwether’s hands, the show became a propulsive exploration of both women’s trauma and the misogynistic criminal justice system that’s unfit to deal with it.

— Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026