malapropos

[ mal-ap-ruh-poh ]

adjective

1. inappropriate; out of place; inopportune; untimely:

   a malapropos remark.

adverb

1. inappropriately; inopportunely.

malapropos

/ ˌmælæprəˈpəʊ /

adjective

1. of an inappropriate or misapplied nature or kind

adverb

1. in an inappropriate way or manner

noun

1. something inopportune or inappropriate

Word History and Origins

Origin of malapropos¹

First recorded in 1660–70, malapropos is from French mal à propos “badly (suited) to the purpose”

Word History and Origins

Origin of malapropos¹

C17: from French mal à propos not to the purpose

Example Sentences

The malapropos image had been posted on the series' social media accounts and promptly removed but not before it was picked up online faster than gossip spreads in Mrs. Patmore's kitchen.

From Los Angeles Times

She confounded Archie with her malapropos — “You know what they say, misery is the best company” — and open-hearted acceptance of others, including her beleaguered son-in-law and African-Americans and other minorities that Archie disdained.

From Time

Mrs. Barbara Croyland amused herself, as usual, by doing her best to tease every one around her, and by saying the most malapropos things in the world.

From Project Gutenberg

Now and then their comments, after the manner of their age, were keenly malapropos and occasioned a sense of embarrassment.

From Project Gutenberg

He fancied that the whole incident had been a most unfortunate malapropos, and that Balfour was sinking under shame and confusion.

From Project Gutenberg