Word
inappropriately
Phoneticsin·ap·pro·pri·ate·ly, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnəˈpɹɑpɹiətɫi/
UK/ˌɪnɐpɹˈəʊpɹiətli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is not suitable or right for a particular situation. You use this when someone's behavior or clothing does not match the social rules of the moment.
adv. in a manner that is unsuitable, improper, or socially unacceptable for a given context.
Examples
“He dressed inappropriately for the formal wedding.”
“The manager was criticized for laughing inappropriately during the serious safety briefing.”
“While the data itself was accurate, the researcher presented it inappropriately by omitting the necessary historical context required for a fair interpretation.”
Examples
simple
“He dressed inappropriately for the formal wedding.”
contextual
“The manager was criticized for laughing inappropriately during the serious safety briefing.”
complex
“While the data itself was accurate, the researcher presented it inappropriately by omitting the necessary historical context required for a fair interpretation.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or the entire clause.
Pitfall
He behaved inappropriate.
He behaved inappropriately.
Learners often use the adjective form when an adverb is required to modify a verb.
Real-World Examples
“Oliver McGowan, who died in 2016, may have had his medical records accessed inappropriately after his death by NHS staff in Bristol.” “In May, a Liverpool hospital trust admitted nearly 50 staff had inappropriately accessed the records of some victims treated at Aintree Hospital.” Etymology
From inappropriate + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/inappropriately