inappropriate
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- inappropriately adverb
- inappropriateness noun
Etymology
Origin of inappropriate
First recorded in 1795–1805; in- 3 + appropriate
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.
"Understanding that larger circuit could help answer a simple question of why someone with an anxiety disorder might exhibit inappropriate fear responses to something that isn't actually dangerous," Halladay said.
From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026
It’s just a downer, an inappropriate introduction of ugly real-world truths.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
The Royal College of GPs says steroid creams are a "safe and effective treatment for many skin conditions", but in "rare cases" people may experience reactions linked to "long-term or inappropriate use".
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
His way of impatiently rebuffing Salome’s inappropriate advances is to give her singing lessons.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
He used some colorful, inappropriate language, which I will not repeat now.
From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day
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.
