inappropriate

[in-uh-proh-pree-it]

adjective

1. not appropriate; not proper or suitable.

   an inappropriate dress for the occasion.

   Synonyms: unfitting, inapt, unsuitable, improper

inappropriate

/ ˌɪnəˈprəʊprɪɪt /

adjective

1. not fitting or appropriate; unsuitable or untimely

Other Word Forms

• inappropriately adverb
• inappropriateness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of inappropriate¹

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

Example Sentences

“Though critics have expressed belief that certain organizations were inappropriate grantees, recipients of FireAid funds appear to have used those funds in ways that are consistent with their intended and communicated use.”

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than being reported to the police the incident was recorded as "inappropriate behaviour unbecoming of a warrant officer".

From BBC

Under the circumstances, this analogy is a poor one, maybe even inappropriate, but that doesn’t make it less true: What Mayor Bowser and the District need is a “bad cop.”

From Salon

Mr Joell-Deshields told The Guardian it would be "inappropriate" to discuss the matter in the press but claimed he remained in his role.

From BBC

“We are using this inappropriate incident to reinforce our comprehensive policies with all our team members across the organization.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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