incongruous

[ in-kong-groo-uhs ]

adjective

1. out of keeping or place; inappropriate; unbecoming:

   an incongruous effect; incongruous behavior.

   Synonyms: absurd, ludicrous, ridiculous, unsuitable, discrepant

   Antonyms: appropriate, becoming

2. not harmonious in character; inconsonant; lacking harmony of parts:

   an incongruous mixture of architectural styles.

   Synonyms: discordant, inharmonious

   Antonyms: consonant

3. inconsistent:

   actions that were incongruous with their professed principles.

   Synonyms: contradictory, contrary

   Antonyms: consistent

incongruous

/ ɪnˈkɒŋɡrʊəs /

adjective

1. whenpostpositive, foll by with or to incompatible with (what is suitable); inappropriate
2. containing disparate or discordant elements or parts

Derived Forms

• inˈcongruously, adverb
• inˈcongruousness, noun

Other Words From

• in·congru·ous·ly adverb
• in·congru·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of incongruous¹

First recorded in 1605–15, incongruous is from the Latin word incongruus “inconsistent.” See in- ³, congruous

Synonym Study

See inconsistent.

Example Sentences

It was jarring and incongruous, especially because the Burning Man community has long been a source of love, connection and communal effort, particularly within Frothville.

From Los Angeles Times

The crossover of cycling into sailing might seem incongruous, but at the heart of the two sports is a very similar culture, Day believes.

From BBC

The engineering marvel at the centre of this is incongruous in the country’s highlands - sited among the shepherds in traditional Basotho blankets and mud huts that make up this rural area.

From BBC

But, as Davis freely admitted, that still doesn't make the image of him playing gigs rather than potting balls any less incongruous.

From BBC

Exuding a weary melancholy, the actor betrays an incongruous longing for the confessional, unflinchingly depicting the elderly Beckett stoically dragging his carcass to the finish line.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bizarre
• contradictory
• inappropriate
• incoherent
• incompatible