inappropriate

[ in-uh-proh-pree-it ]

/ ˌɪn əˈproʊ pri ɪt /

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See synonyms for: inappropriate / inappropriately / inappropriateness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

not appropriate; not proper or suitable: an inappropriate dress for the occasion.

OTHER WORDS FOR inappropriate

improper, unsuitable, inapt, unfitting.

See synonyms for inappropriate on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of inappropriate

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

OTHER WORDS FROM inappropriate

in·ap·pro·pri·ate·ly, adverbin·ap·pro·pri·ate·ness, noun

Words nearby inappropriate

inappreciable, inappreciative, inapprehension, inapprehensive, inapproachable, inappropriate, inapt, inaptitude, inaptonym, inarch, inarguable

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use inappropriate in a sentence

As the outcry grew, the IOC said Mori’s comments “were absolutely inappropriate” but still declined to press for his resignation on Tuesday.
Japan Olympics chief who said women talk too much will resign over remarks, reports say|Simon Denyer, Julia Mio Inuma|February 11, 2021|Washington Post
The inquiries, three sources familiar with the New York Post story say, were part of an investigation into Weaver’s inappropriate messages to male youths, and brought to the attention of Madrid.
Lincoln Project’s avowed ignorance of Weaver texts undercut by leaked communications|Chris Johnson|February 9, 2021|Washington Blade
Some changes hinge on state legislative action and others face pushback from Montgomery’s police department and police union, which call them inappropriate for the suburb of 1 million.
In Maryland’s largest suburb, an ambitious police overhaul faces roadblocks|Rebecca Tan, Dan Morse|February 4, 2021|Washington Post
Several Anchorage attorneys said they had been aware for decades that Sniffen had an inappropriate relationship with a young woman early in his career.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations Prompt Another Alaska Attorney General to Resign|by Kyle Hopkins/ Anchorage Daily News|January 31, 2021|ProPublica

Bartlett is also among those who’ve accused Brough of inappropriate behavior, ABC 7 reported.
Sacramento Report: Fees Are the New Front in the Delivery Driver War|Sara Libby|January 22, 2021|Voice of San Diego
So much of what is considered “romantic” is actually inappropriate, pressuring, or unnerving.
Public Marriage Proposals Must Die|Tauriq Moosa|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To the uninitiated, this might smack of poor taste and inappropriate timing.
In One Corner of Syria, Christmas Spirit Somehow Manages to Survive|Peter Schwartzstein|December 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The pastor told sheriff deputies that he spoke with the younger man “but said nothing inappropriate.”
Exposed: The Gay-Bashing Pastor’s Same-Sex Assault|M.L. Nestel|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For example, the completely inappropriate Christmas present.
Keep Christmas Commercialized!|P. J. O’Rourke|December 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I did so, and he explained that he did not mean to be inappropriate and he was sorry if I was offended.
‘I Saved My Friend From Bill Cosby’|Lloyd Grove|December 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A word or two regarding the railway system of Scotland may not be inappropriate.
Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow
The French say that a thing is propos de bottes, when it is altogether inappropriate.
Notes and Queries, Number 178, March 26, 1853|Various
Thus he produced a scale like the standard octave, but with one note wanting; so that the term di okt was inappropriate.
The Modes of Ancient Greek Music|David Binning Monro
Among the many shockingly realistic and inappropriate monuments we found a few simple and beautiful statues and low reliefs.
Italian Days and Ways|Anne Hollingsworth Wharton
With which inappropriate benediction he almost pushed me out of the room.
Dross|Henry Seton Merriman

British Dictionary definitions for inappropriate

inappropriate

/ (ˌɪnəˈprəʊprɪɪt) /

adjective

not fitting or appropriate; unsuitable or untimely

Derived forms of inappropriate

inappropriately, adverbinappropriateness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

inappropriate

OTHER WORDS FOR inappropriate

Origin of inappropriate

OTHER WORDS FROM inappropriate

Words nearby inappropriate

Words related to inappropriate

How to use inappropriate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for inappropriate

Derived forms of inappropriate