What does "inappropriate" mean?

1. (not suitable) not right or suitable for a particular situation, person, or place. 2. (socially or sexually improper) behaving in a way that is socially wrong, often involving unwanted sexual talk or actions.

How do you use "inappropriate"?

Often followed by the preposition 'for' or 'to'.

inappropriate

adj.

US //ˌɪnəˈpɹoʊpɹiɪt// UK //ˌɪnɐpɹˈəʊpɹiət// in·ap·pro·pri·ate

1 not suitable (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

not right or suitable for a particular situation, person, or place.

unsuitable or improper for a specific context, social setting, or purpose.

Example

Wearing shorts to a formal wedding is usually considered inappropriate.

Example

The board found his comments during the press conference highly inappropriate for someone in a senior leadership position.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'for' or 'to'.
- unsuitable
- unfitting
- improper
2 socially or sexually improper (adj.)
C1 Advanced Formal

behaving in a way that is socially wrong, often involving unwanted sexual talk or actions.

violating social or professional boundaries, frequently used as a euphemism for sexual harassment or offensive conduct.

Example

She complained to HR after her manager made several inappropriate jokes.

Example

The investigation focused on allegations of inappropriate physical contact between the staff members during the office retreat.

Teacher's tip

In modern workplaces, this is often the standard professional term used to describe sexual harassment without using the legal label.
- indecent
- unbecoming
- respectful
- professional

Origin

From in- + appropriate.

Word family

Adjectiveinappropriate
Adverbinappropriately