Synonyms

out of place

Idioms

Not in the proper situation, not belonging; inappropriate for the circumstances or location. For example, A high school graduate, she felt out of place among all these academics with advanced degrees, or This velvet sofa is out of place on the porch. This idiom uses place in the sense of “a fitting position.” [First half of 1800s]

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.

Against the famously physical Rockets, the 6-foot-2 guard doesn’t look out of place on defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

Atoms that are out of place are less stable and more likely to dissolve when exposed to water.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

But it is true that owners are trying to create facilities that don’t look out of place.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

"He looked out of place so I went over to see if he was alright, to see if I could cheer him up," he explained.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

He points to a collection of essays, mine, out of place among Papa's foreign dictionaries.

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023