inappropriate
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of inappropriate
First recorded in 1795–1805; in- 3 + appropriate
Explanation
The word "appropriate" means correct or proper and since the little prefix "in" turns its meaning around, something inappropriate is considered not proper or suitable. Nowadays, it seems, anything goes. Yet good manners and standards prevail, and some things are simply inappropriate — such as taking a toddler to a violent movie, or making jokes at someone else's expense. You wouldn't show your future father-in-law naked pictures of his daughter or wear a bathing suit to a state dinner. Those actions are simply inappropriate.
Vocabulary lists containing inappropriate
Fish in a Tree
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Nothing But the Truth
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Game Changer
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At the time, Leto also denied any inappropriate conduct.
From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026
Critics said the choice of site was inappropriate because of wildlife concerns, and that the roof of the applicant's house beside the proposed site would possibly be more suitable.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
But it is wildly inappropriate for the ordinary uses of AI.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
The park’s policies state that, because of “increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior,” guests younger than 16 are required to have someone 21 or older with them during afternoon hours.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 11, 2026
She showed me evidence of yet another time the department officials met to discuss the inappropriate discipline in the Moss foster home.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
