malapropos

[ mal-ap-ruh-poh ]

adjective

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

   a malapropos remark.

adverb

1. inappropriately; inopportunely.

malapropos

/ ˌmælæprəˈpəʊ /

adjective

1. of an inappropriate or misapplied nature or kind

adverb

1. in an inappropriate way or manner

noun

1. something inopportune or inappropriate

Word History and Origins

Origin of malapropos¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of malapropos¹

C17: from French mal à propos not to the purpose

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

Even her wit had deserted her; she said malapropos clever things, and got snubbed for them.

From Project Gutenberg

She saw at once that he had forgotten their conversation in the train, and wondered what very malapropos remark he would make.

From Project Gutenberg

At any rate, he could not see her confusion at her own malapropos—that was something!

From Project Gutenberg

To him the man habitually seemed as malapropos as a spiteful old lady.

From Project Gutenberg