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Definition of inappropriate

inappropriate

/ˌɪn.əˈproʊ.pri.ət/
in · ap · pro · pri · ate
Adverb:inappropriately
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inappropriate Lexical Profile

inappropriate Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not suitable, fitting, or proper in the circumstances.

Example

"Wearing casual shorts and flip-flops was considered inappropriate for the formal award ceremony."

2

Crossing established social, professional, or moral boundaries; offensive, indecent, or unacceptable in behavior or speech.

Example

"The committee reprimanded the speaker for making inappropriate remarks during the panel discussion."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for inappropriate

• Nearby Words

inapplicably
inappreciative
inapproachable
inappropriate
inappropriately
inappropriateness
inapt

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century by adding the privative prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') to 'appropriate', which derives from Late Latin 'appropriatus', meaning 'made one's own'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inappropriate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inappropriate
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