Incongruous: meaning, definitions and examples

When something doesn't match the surroundings or situation; lacks harmony with its environment or context.

• A modern sculpture in a medieval castle seems incongruous
• His cheerful attitude was incongruous at the funeral

Applicable when something is not suited to the context, often implying a breach of etiquette or social norms.

• Wearing jeans to a wedding is usually considered inappropriate
• His joke was inappropriate for the serious occasion

When something or someone does not belong in a specific setting or situation, feeling awkward or alien.

• She felt out of place at the fancy gala in her casual clothes
• The antique vase looked out of place among the modern furniture

Used to describe something that creates a jarring or unharmonious effect, often in sound but can also be in broader contexts.

• The discordant notes of the badly tuned guitar disrupted the melody
• Their political views were so discordant, debates often turned into loud arguments

This word is used when something does not fit in a particular situation because it is strange or not in harmony with its surroundings. It suggests a sense of something being out of place.

• The modern furniture looked incongruous in the old castle.
• His cheerful smile seemed incongruous given the seriousness of the situation.

Describes something that does not stay the same throughout, showing a lack of coherence or regularity. It is often used to highlight changes or deviations over time.

• Her statements were inconsistent, making her story hard to believe.
• The weather has been highly inconsistent this year.

Used to describe things or people that cannot exist together or be combined because their differences are too significant. It emphasizes a fundamental conflict or mismatch.

• The software is incompatible with the current operating system.
• Their personalities were so incompatible that they couldn't remain friends.

Used to describe something that is inappropriate or unsuitable for a particular purpose or situation. It usually carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of appropriateness.

• His comments were unfitting for the solemn occasion.
• The casual outfit she wore was unfitting for the formal event.