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.

“It is inappropriate to dismiss the review’s conclusions because it presented pooled outcomes as well as individual ones.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

Eight days later, Sotomayor issued an apology, saying her comment was inappropriate and hurtful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

"It is important that nothing is said that could prejudice the court proceedings that will now follow, so it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

In a footnote, the plaintiff clarified that his brother was also present at the time of the incident and that neither of them engaged in inappropriate conduct toward the unidentified woman.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 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

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Nothing But the Truth

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Game Changer

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