inappropriate

adjective

in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌi-nə-ˈprō-prē-ət How to pronounce inappropriate (audio)
Synonyms of inappropriatenext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Dolphins already lost a first and third-round pick because of inappropriate contact with Sean Payton and Tom Brady, and alleged tanking allegations made by former coach Brian Flores. Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025 At the Cheez-Its Citrus Bowl, Texas will face a Michigan team who lost its coach, Sherrone Moore, after the university fired him for having an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025 No Epstein survivor or associate has ever made a public allegation of wrongdoing or inappropriate behavior by Clinton in connection with his prior relationship with Epstein. Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 23 Dec. 2025 The report, which was discussed at a July 15 council meeting, concluded that Blain made abusive and offensive statements and inappropriate personal comments to both men that were unrelated to the city’s legitimate business interests. Susan Gill Vardon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inappropriate

Word History

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inappropriate was in 1804

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inappropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inappropriate. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

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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