Inappropriate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when something is not suitable or proper in a particular situation, especially in terms of behavior, language, or clothing.

• Her comment was considered inappropriate during the formal meeting.
• Wearing flip-flops to a job interview might be seen as inappropriate.

This word is often used to describe something that is not correct according to accepted standards or rules.

• Using personal email for work matters is considered improper in our company.
• The financial audit revealed several improper transactions.

Use this when something is not satisfactory or allowable according to certain standards or expectations.

• Arriving late to meetings is unacceptable behavior in this office.
• The quality of the work presented was deemed unacceptable.

Best used when something is morally or socially offensive, especially in a sexual way. It tends to have a stronger negative connotation.

• He was arrested for making indecent gestures in public.
• The movie was criticized for its indecent content.

This word is appropriate when something does not match the required conditions or purposes.

• The dress she chose was unsuitable for the formal event.
• His casual tone in the email was unsuitable for the professional context.

Used when something does not fit the situation or social norms; it is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

• It is inappropriate to wear jeans to a wedding.
• Telling jokes at a funeral is highly inappropriate.

Often used in formal situations to describe actions that are not morally or legally acceptable or correct.

• The employee was fired for improper conduct.
• It is improper to discuss someone's salary in a public setting.

Generally applied in formal contexts to describe behavior that is improper and likely to cause disapproval or offense.

• Laughing loudly at a serious event can be seen as unseemly.
• His unseemly remarks at the meeting drew criticism from his colleagues.

Utilized in more formal or literary contexts to describe behavior that is not socially acceptable or polite.

• His loud arguing at the dinner table was indecorous.
• Wearing such revealing clothing to the church was deemed indecorous.

Used when something is not suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose, often in formal writing.

• The old furniture was unfitting for the modern office design.
• Such casual language is unfitting for a formal letter.