inappropriate

[in-uh-proh-pree-it] / ˌɪn əˈproʊ pri ɪt /

ADJECTIVE

not proper, unsuitable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disproportionate improper incorrect irrelevant tasteless unseemly unsuitable wrong

WEAK

bad form foot-in-mouth garbage ill-fitted ill-suited ill-timed inapplicable inapropos incongruous inconsonant indecorous inept left-field malapropos off out of line out of place unbecoming unbefitting undue unfit unfitting unmeet unseasonable untimely way-off wrong number

Antonyms

STRONGEST

appropriate correct decent fitting good moral proper right suitable

WEAK

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, in an interview, said Landry’s visit was inappropriate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Further investigations are ongoing into inappropriate access, including into the files of the surviving victims of the attacks, Wayne Birkett, Sharon Miller and Marcin Gawronski.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Complaining to HR that “so-and-so earns more than me” felt inappropriate, but a $15,000 gap seems huge.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

On Monday, however, O’Connor struck back with a shocking order that used wildly inappropriate intimidation tactics to wrest back control of the case.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

For thirty years he was turning into teeth in Springfield, and neither she nor the mourner in the inappropriate dress could do a thing about it.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing inappropriate

Fish in a Tree

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Nothing But the Truth

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Game Changer

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!