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.
An internal affairs file reviewed by The Times revealed more details about inappropriate comments allegedly made by officers within the unit tasked with vetting LAPD recruits. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The probe is also expanding to include the entire UNC football program and possible inappropriate relationships within it. — Chris Branch, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Steppach at the time denied doing anything more than making inappropriate jokes in the girls’ presence, the report states. — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 3 Sep. 2026 Justice Department attorneys have ​argued that a restraining order would be inappropriate and that the legal challenge was premature, as federal agencies had yet to issue public guidance on how the president’s directive would be implemented. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 Sep. 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 5 Sep. 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
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