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.
The WISeR program — which stands for Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction — is a CMS pilot program that introduced AI-driven prior authorization to traditional Medicare beneficiaries in six states earlier this year.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026
According to his LinkedIn, until December he worked as head of production at Inappropriate Laughter Inc.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 17, 2024
Inappropriate emails were sent between a police officer and the family of a driver who killed a motorcyclist in a crash, a review found.
From BBC • Oct. 1, 2022
Inappropriate footwear includes, but is not limited to, roller skates, skate shoes, and bedroom slippers.
From Washington Post • May 4, 2018
Inappropriate the title bestowed on his house, for the owner of the “Home” has not the slightest hospitality in his heart.
From The Flag of Distress A Story of the South Sea by Reid, Mayne
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.
