inappropriate

adjective

in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌi-nə-ˈprō-prē-ət How to pronounce inappropriate (audio)
: not appropriate : unsuitable
inappropriate behavior
The movie's subject matter is inappropriate for small children.
inappropriately adverb
dressed inappropriately
inappropriateness noun
the inappropriateness of his comments

Examples of inappropriate in a Sentence

We won't tolerate such inappropriate behavior. Her informal manner seemed wholly inappropriate to the occasion.
Recent Examples on the Web Nowell was assessed a technical foul and ejected after making the inappropriate comments to an official at the conclusion of the second quarter during Stockton’s 112-111 victory over the Rio Grande Vipers on Friday at Adventist Health Arena in Stockton. Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2024 His win dispelled any notions that Red Bull’s dominance might have waned over the winter or that its preparations were significantly disrupted by an external investigation into team principal Christian Horner over allegations of inappropriate behavior. Issy Ronald, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024 In the past, the mayor has said the entire division was wiped out when numerous officers were placed on administrative leave as part of an internal investigation into officers sending or receiving racist and inappropriate text messages. Judith Prieve, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 This is because our initial response may be influenced by our personal feelings, and may lead to an inappropriate reaction. Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 One resident, Isabel Oswaldo-Cruz, asked why Olea had not been apprehended over the past decade despite being trailed by rumors of inappropriate behavior and then in September by specific allegations. Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2024 As discovered by one intrepid TikToker, this isn’t the first time McDonald has been accused of crossing the line between working hard to get the story and inappropriate intimidation. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Feb. 2024 An examination by The Times of the three dozen brands that are popular among mom-run accounts found inappropriate, predatory or pornographic followers in almost all of the brands’ accounts, including Original Hippie. Michael H. Keller, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024 These misperceptions can lead to inappropriate judgments and misunderstandings in the workplace. Britney Porter, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inappropriate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inappropriate was in 1804

Dictionary Entries Near inappropriate

Cite this Entry

“Inappropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inappropriate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inappropriate

adjective
in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌin-ə-ˈprō-prē-ət How to pronounce inappropriate (audio)
: not appropriate : unsuitable
inappropriate behavior
inappropriately adverb
inappropriateness noun

Medical Definition

inappropriate

adjective
in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌin-ə-ˈprō-prē-ət How to pronounce inappropriate (audio)
: abnormal
inappropriate urinary sodium excretionK. G. Barry & J. P. Malloy

More from Merriam-Webster on inappropriate

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