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’s very disappointing and inappropriate that this video was not produced in discovery,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

She’s aware she’s being betrayed by the bad faith of her family; she’s cognizant of being vulnerable to an inappropriate affection for the one person who trusts her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Commerzbank CEO Bettina Orlopp has previously been vocal in her efforts to sway shareholders against accepting a bid, calling the approach vague and inappropriate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

The inquiry heard the trust had been running communication campaigns warning staff against inappropriate data access for several years before its investigations.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

A long embrace in the middle of this fancy lobby is probably inappropriate; people are staring.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

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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