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
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.
What if the user is in an inappropriate environment? Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 The constable’s office was notified of the inappropriate request June 10 when the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force came into contact with Slusher’s request, officials said in a news release. Kate Linderman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2025 As the film rolls on, Williams plays the idealized Rosemary as worn down and ultimately exhausted at having to parry an inappropriate Max and depressed Herman. Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025 He is accused of having inappropriate contact with a 16-year-old student at Marin’s Community School in San Rafael. Cameron MacDonald, Mercury News, 12 June 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 19 Jun. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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