inappropriate

[ in-uh-proh-pree-it ]

adjective

1. not appropriate; not proper or suitable:

   an inappropriate dress for the occasion.

   Synonyms: unfitting, inapt, unsuitable, improper

inappropriate

/ ˌɪnəˈprəʊprɪɪt /

adjective

1. not fitting or appropriate; unsuitable or untimely

Derived Forms

• ˌinapˈpropriateness, noun
• ˌinapˈpropriately, adverb

Other Words From

• inap·propri·ate·ly adverb
• inap·propri·ate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inappropriate¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; in- ³ + appropriate

Example Sentences

One study found that up to 50% of patients with chronic low back pain are receiving inappropriate care that does not align with best practice guidelines.

From Salon

He said that “labeling inmate labor as slavery” would be an “extraordinarily inappropriate use of language.”

From Los Angeles Times

The community mental health practitioner, who worked in Northamptonshire, admitted making several "inappropriate comments" between August and November 2022.

From BBC

“As these individuals are Baron employees,” the company said, “it would be inappropriate for us to comment on BaronHR’s business practices.”

From New York Times

Verbal abuse, wolf whistles, beeps from cars and inappropriate comments.

From BBC

Related Words

• disproportionate
• improper
• incorrect
• irrelevant
• tasteless
• unseemly
• unsuitable
• wrong