adjective
inappropriate
ih-nuh-PROHP-ree-uht
adjective
1
Not suitable or fitting for the particular situation, time, or place.
"Cracking jokes at a funeral is clearly inappropriate."
"He wore inappropriate clothing for the formal dinner."
How to Use Inappropriate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot right for the occasion — out of place or unsuitable.
When to use it
Often used as a polite way to describe behaviour that's actually offensive or sexual in nature.
Common pairings
inappropriate behaviour
inappropriate comment
wildly inappropriate
Word Forms
more inappropriate comparative, most inappropriate superlative
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Cracking jokes at a funeral is clearly _____.
Etymology
From in- plus appropriate.