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."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
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.
Word Origin
"suitable, fitting"