inappropriate
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived 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.
“It’s very disappointing and inappropriate that this video was not produced in discovery,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Kellen was asked by Committee counsel, Brittany Brignac, whether she had witnessed "any inappropriate behaviour" from individuals including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
The Gates spokesperson said he didn’t have “an inappropriate relationship with any employee of TerraPower.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
“Safety is a cornerstone of our business and we have zero tolerance for inappropriate and unsafe behavior.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026
I wondered what he would say if he found me speaking for such an inappropriate length of time with his daughter.
From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
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.
