inapt

adjective

in·​apt (ˌ)i-ˈnapt How to pronounce inapt (audio)
: not apt:
a
: not suitable
an inapt analogy
b
: inept
inaptly adverb
inaptness noun

Examples of inapt in a Sentence

an inapt but well-meaning attempt to inject some humor into the proceedings a recruit who was utterly inapt for most soldierly duties, so he spent most of his time playing in the army band
Recent Examples on the Web Some assert that a grip can hardly be considered an inapt jail without also being a biplane. Jay Pilgreen, Kansas City Star, 12 Feb. 2024 If not then your analogy is inapt. Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2023 As a rebuke to warmongers, a monument from one Hohenzollern despot to another seems inapt and more like a hint to keep those hobnail jackboots handy. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 1 Apr. 2023 The comparison isn’t entirely inapt. New York Times, 19 Jan. 2021 Moreover, the analogy to securities regulation is inapt. M. Todd Henderson, WSJ, 16 May 2022 In making an inapt analogy to securities markets, Sen. Lee’s bill would take us back to a less efficient time. M. Todd Henderson, WSJ, 16 May 2022 And the insurgency scenario is based on an inapt analogy. Zalmay Khalilzad, WSJ, 16 Mar. 2022 Sutton and Crystal makes an inapt #MeToo comparison; Lisa remains inappropriately upbeat and Garcelle remains one of the only people in all of L.A. county with any integrity. Mary Sollosi, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inapt.' 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

circa 1670, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inapt was circa 1670

Dictionary Entries Near inapt

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

inapt

adjective
in·​apt (ˈ)in-ˈapt How to pronounce inapt (audio)
: not suitable
an inapt comparison
inaptly adverb
inaptness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on inapt

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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