Inappropriate
/ˌɪnəˈprəʊpriət/
Definitions
Not suitable or proper in a particular situation or context.
/ˌɪnəˈprəʊpriət/
Not suitable or proper in the circumstances.
His jokes were considered inappropriate for the funeral.
💡 Simply: Imagine you wear a winter coat at the beach in the summer. That's inappropriate! It doesn't fit the situation.
👶 For kids: Something is inappropriate if it's not right for the situation, like wearing a swimsuit to school.
More Examples
The language used in the advertisement was inappropriate for children.
She felt his behavior was inappropriate and offensive.
How It's Used
"Wearing a swimsuit to a formal dinner would be inappropriate."
"His comments were deemed inappropriate for a professional setting."
Idioms & expressions
inappropriate behavior
Conduct that is not suitable or proper for a given situation.
"The company's policy prohibits inappropriate behavior in the workplace."
inappropriate comments
Remarks or statements that are not suitable for a given situation or audience.
"The teacher reprimanded the student for making inappropriate comments in class."
From Latin *in-* (not) + *appropriatus*, past participle of *appropriare* (to make one's own, to suit). Originally used to describe something unsuited or unsuitable for a particular purpose; later applied to conduct and speech.
The word's usage began in the 17th century, initially describing things that were not suited to a particular purpose. Its application expanded over time to include actions and speech.
Memory tip
Think of 'in' (not) and 'appropriate' (fitting). If something is 'inappropriate,' it's NOT fitting.