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

The library already accounts for inappropriate materials for children? — Robert Steinbuch, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026

It might be added to the Beers Criteria, an influential list of potentially inappropriate medications for older patients, published by the American Geriatrics Society. — Paula Span, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

Define where experimentation is acceptable, where human review is mandatory and where AI use is inappropriate, and remember that your personal AI habits will become part of the organization’s unwritten AI policy. — Duane Tursi, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Police also want parents to talk to their kids about how to recognize inappropriate behavior. — J.d. Miles, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

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