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

• amiss
• graceless
• improper
• inapposite
• inapt
• incongruous
• incorrect
• indecorous
• inept
• infelicitous
• malapropos
• perverse
• unapt
• unbecoming
• unfit
• unhappy
• unseemly
• unsuitable
• untoward
• wrong

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 actors’ statements come in the wake of the Channel 4 documentary series Spacey Unmasked, which saw 10 men accuse the American Beauty actor of inappropriate behavior and aired in the U.K. on May 6 and 7. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 17 May 2024

Known around the hospital as Dr. Sebo, the middle-aged anesthesiologist has developed a reputation as a workhorse, albeit one with a penchant for inappropriate remarks, according to current and former colleagues. —Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

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