inapt

[ in-apt ]

adjective

1. not apt or fitting.

   Synonyms: unsuited, inapposite, unfit, inappropriate, unsuitable

   Antonyms: appropriate

2. without aptitude or capacity.

   Synonyms: awkward, clumsy, incapable

   Antonyms: capable

inapt

/ ɪnˈæpt /

adjective

1. not apt or fitting; inappropriate
2. lacking skill; inept

Derived Forms

• inˈaptly, adverb
• inˈaptiˌtude, noun

Other Words From

• in·aptly adverb
• in·aptness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inapt¹

First recorded in 1735–45; in- ³ + apt

Example Sentences

After all, it’s a movie for which too much cleanup may be inapt.

From New York Times

However inapt as drama, and however much real estate they steal from the development of a richer plot, such songs serve an important function, like the witty prose of the novel.

From New York Times

The mayoralty campaign that culminates Tuesday has featured, in Brandon Johnson, a comprehensively, almost exotically, inapt candidate.

From Washington Post

The last might be a slightly inapt choice, given that it comes sometime after Manson’s feelings on the negative effects of the “human highlight reel of social media.”

From New York Times

Free trade is out of favor with both parties in the United States, which is especially inapt in the context of trade with Europe, a region whose wages and environmental standards are comparable to those in this country.

From Washington Post