inappropriate

adjective

in·​ap·​pro·​pri·​ate ˌi-nə-ˈprō-prē-ət How to pronounce inappropriate (audio)
Synonyms of inappropriate
: 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

Synonyms of inappropriate

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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.
Concerns about the agency’s inappropriate access to and use of sensitive data are continuing to emerge. — John Kubale, The Conversation, 8 July 2026 In some countries, such as Japan, tipping can even be viewed as awkward, inappropriate, and unnecessary as patrons eat, pay the bill, and simply leave. — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 Some commenters felt the post was cringeworthy and inappropriate. — Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026 But this year, according to a dress code reviewed by The Athletic, women have been told that strapless, off-the-shoulder and spaghetti-strap attire is not permitted, with illustrations of appropriate and inappropriate wear for both men and women. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026 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

Rhymes for inappropriate

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Browse Nearby Words

inapproachable
inappropriate
inapt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inappropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inappropriate. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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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 excretion—K. G. Barry & J. P. Malloy

More from Merriam-Webster on inappropriate

Nglish: Translation of inappropriate for Spanish Speakers

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