inappropriate

American  

[in-uh-proh-pree-it] / ˌɪn əˈproʊ pri ɪt /

adjective

1. not appropriate; not proper or suitable.

   an inappropriate dress for the occasion.

   Synonyms:

   unfitting, inapt, unsuitable, improper

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inappropriate British  

/ ˌɪnəˈprəʊprɪɪt /

adjective

1. not fitting or appropriate; unsuitable or untimely

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Other Word Forms

• inappropriately adverb
• inappropriateness noun

Etymology

Origin of inappropriate

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

Example Sentences

At least the inappropriate dump of investigative documents from the Justice Department reminds us that victim identities were long known to prosecutors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Both the Scottish government and the SNP said it would be inappropriate to comment on the latest development because of the ongoing legal action.

From BBC

Several hours later, the bot apologized to Shambaugh for being “inappropriate and personal.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Jayapal called Bondi’s tactics “totally inappropriate” in a statement on X. “That is outrageous, and I intend to pursue this and stop this spying on members.”

From Salon

Warwickshire Police said: "The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the original complaint and it would therefore be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time."

From BBC

Related Words

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