inappropriate

[in-uh-proh-pree-it]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inappropriate ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

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

Nearby words

Origin of inappropriate

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

SYNONYMS FOR inappropriate

improper, unsuitable, inapt, unfitting.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inappropriate ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsin·ap·pro·pri·ate·ly, adverbin·ap·pro·pri·ate·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for inappropriately

There are safeguards for ensuring that such a decision is not made lightly or inappropriately.
On Her Own Terms: Why Brittany Maynard Has Chosen to Die|Gene Robinson|October 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As a result, many of the women “were groped or inappropriately touched during the performance.”
It’s Buffalo Jills Vs. Buffalo Bills in Ex-Cheerleaders’ New Lawsuit|Emily Shire|April 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Dr. Coates observed, “I did not see it as sexual, but I saw it as inappropriately intense because it excluded everybody else.”
Inside the Shocking Custody Case Court Documents that Shed Light on the Dylan Farrow-Woody Allen Saga|Marlow Stern|February 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The funeral has stirred up old divisions, and has been criticized by many as inappropriately partisan.
Dawn Dress Rehearsal for Thatcher Funeral as Controversy Rages On|Tom Sykes|April 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Accounts differ as to what, exactly, happened that day and on who acted appropriately or inappropriately in the battle.
A New Jerusalem Day?|Jill Jacobs|May 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The scene might not inappropriately be compared to a post-mortem examination on an extended scale.
The Violin|George Hart
There exists, too, in the great territory of vulgar speech what may not inappropriately be termed Civic Slang.
The Slang Dictionary|John Camden Hotten
A characteristic anecdote is told of William Etty, which may not inappropriately be introduced here.
Notes and Queries, Vol. IV, Number 89, July 12, 1851|Various
It did not occur to me that I was inappropriately dressed, but of course I am not conversant with your customs here.
A Colony of Girls|Kate Livingston Willard
To this bird has been given not inappropriately the name of Summer Snipe.
British Birds in their Haunts|Rev. C. A. Johns

British Dictionary definitions for inappropriately

inappropriate

adjective

not fitting or appropriate; unsuitable or untimely

Derived Formsinappropriately, 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

Word Origin and History for inappropriately

inappropriate

adj.

1804, from in- (1) "not, opposite of" + appropriate (adj.). Related: Inappropriately; inappropriateness.

inappropriate

adjective

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Origin of inappropriate

Examples from the Web for inappropriately

inappropriate

adjective

inappropriate