C1adjective 2K

Inappropriate

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˌɪnəˈprəʊpriət/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˌɪnəˈprəʊpriət/"]/

Meaning of Inappropriate

not suitable or appropriate in a particular situation

In simple words: not suitable or proper

Inappropriate in a sentence

• **inappropriate behaviour/language**
• **It would be inappropriate for me to** comment.
• clothes inappropriate to the occasion
• What's the best way for a teacher to deal with inappropriate behaviour?
• This treatment was highly inappropriate in her case.
• The existing library is totally inappropriate to our needs.
• The size of the machines makes them inappropriate for domestic use.
• Your bright red coat would be quite inappropriate for a funeral.

How to use Inappropriate

Use 'inappropriate' to describe something that is not suitable for a situation. It is often used in formal settings to address behavior or language that is not acceptable.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'in' as not and 'appropriate' as suitable—so 'not suitable'.

Related words

Collocations with Inappropriate

• be
• seem
• become
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• for
• to

Synonyms for Inappropriate

• unacceptable
• improper
• unsuitable
• incongruous
• ill-suited

Opposites of Inappropriate

• appropriate
• suitable
• fitting

Common mistakes with Inappropriate

• Confused with 'unprofessional' – as not all inappropriate actions are unprofessional.
• Using it in contexts that require a more informal expression.
• Overusing in casual conversations where a simpler term like 'wrong' would suffice.

Frequently asked questions about Inappropriate

What does Inappropriate mean?

not suitable or proper

What is the definition of Inappropriate?

not suitable or appropriate in a particular situation

How do you use Inappropriate in a sentence?

**inappropriate behaviour/language**

Can you give another example of Inappropriate?

**It would be inappropriate for me to** comment.

What are synonyms for Inappropriate?

Common alternatives include unacceptable, improper, unsuitable, incongruous, ill-suited.

What is the opposite of Inappropriate?

Opposite meanings include appropriate, suitable, fitting.

What words go with Inappropriate?

It commonly pairs with be, seem, become, extremely, fairly, very, for, to.

What are common mistakes when using Inappropriate?

Confused with 'unprofessional' – as not all inappropriate actions are unprofessional. Using it in contexts that require a more informal expression. Overusing in casual conversations where a simpler term like 'wrong' would suffice.

How do you pronounce Inappropriate?

US: /["/ˌɪnəˈprəʊpriət/"]/, UK: /["/ˌɪnəˈprəʊpriət/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Inappropriate?

Use 'inappropriate' to describe something that is not suitable for a situation. It is often used in formal settings to address behavior or language that is not acceptable.

What CEFR level is Inappropriate?

"Inappropriate" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.