inappropriate

[in-uh-proh-pree-it]

adjective

1. not appropriate; not proper or suitable.

   an inappropriate dress for the occasion.

   Synonyms: unfitting, inapt, unsuitable, improper

inappropriate

/ ˌɪnəˈprəʊprɪɪt /

adjective

1. not fitting or appropriate; unsuitable or untimely

Other Word Forms

• inappropriateness noun
• inappropriately adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inappropriate¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; in- ³ + appropriate

Example Sentences

A choir at a scandal-hit cathedral sang an "inappropriate" song and walked out of a service in a protest over potential lay-offs.

From BBC

Mr Bain said the report is "confidential" until it is published by the standards committee, "and it would therefore be inappropriate for the commissioner to comment".

From BBC

The police union’s characterization of Harris as a “failed presidential candidate” who should pay for her own security was gratuitously inappropriate and irrelevant to legitimate security considerations.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is a massive federal overreach, and it’s incredibly inappropriate.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Though critics have expressed belief that certain organizations were inappropriate grantees, recipients of FireAid funds appear to have used those funds in ways that are consistent with their intended and communicated use.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disproportionate 
• improper 
• incorrect 
• irrelevant 
• tasteless 
• unseemly 
• unsuitable 
• wrong