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.
Roblox allows users to report people and inappropriate behavior from within an experience. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Instagram users have always been able to block others — and, along with Meta’s oldest crown jewel, Facebook — the app has gradually added features for reporting problematic accounts and inappropriate content. — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Southfield Public Schools launched an investigation in March of that year after receiving allegations of inappropriate behavior. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 The action comes one year after Baniewicz was removed as president of Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park amid an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior with a minor. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 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 23 Aug. 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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