malapropos

American  

[mal-ap-ruh-poh] / ˌmæl æp rəˈpoʊ /

adjective

1. inappropriate; out of place; inopportune; untimely.

   a malapropos remark.

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adverb

1. inappropriately; inopportunely.

malapropos British  

/ ˌmælæprəˈpəʊ /

adjective

1. of an inappropriate or misapplied nature or kind

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adverb

1. in an inappropriate way or manner

noun

1. something inopportune or inappropriate

Etymology

Origin of malapropos

First recorded in 1660–70, malapropos is from French mal à propos “badly (suited) to the purpose”

Example Sentences

This very malapropos visit of Mr. Pickwick to the firm was, as I said, a mistake and damaged his case. 

From Bardell v. Pickwick by Fitzgerald, Percy Hethrington

"Ah! before instead of after, when I only see I have said something malapropos," said Ethel.

From The Daisy chain, or Aspirations by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

As far as Mostyn was concerned, this first malapropos meeting indicated the whole evening.

From The Man Between, an International Romance by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston

And he permitted himself a little blaspheming on his own account, for the visitor, as Ste. Marie had said, came most malapropos, and, besides, he disliked Miss Benham's uncle.

From Jason by Forman, Justus Miles

Mrs. Barbara Croyland amused herself, as usual, by doing her best to tease every one around her, and by saying the most malapropos things in the world.

From The Smuggler: (Vol's I-III) A Tale by James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)