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.
"We value our relationship with Indonesia, but that should not prevent us from speaking up when remarks are inappropriate," said the parliamentarian.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
“The Fourth Circuit’s decision to issue an ‘extraordinary’ writ was inappropriate under the circumstances,” the Court said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
Spartan Chemical warns that inappropriate exposure can cause the types of effects detainees experienced.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026
As well as broken or uneven steps, weak ankles or knees and inappropriate footwear, a variety of other factors can lead to falls, the CDC says.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 5, 2026
Or he would say “You look tired, my man. Somebody keep you up late?” in away Ifemelu thought inappropriate.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
