Inappropriate means something that is not suitable or proper in the circumstances. For example, wearing a casual t-shirt to a formal job interview is considered inappropriate because it does not match the expected level of formality. The meaning of INAPPROPRIATE is not appropriate : unsuitable. How to use inappropriate in a sentence. Adjective inappropriate (comparative more inappropriate, superlative most inappropriate) Not appropriate; not suitable for the situation, time, or place. INAPPROPRIATE definition: 1. unsuitable: 2. unsuitable: 3. unsuitable, esp. for the particular time, place, or situation. Learn more. Find 77 different ways to say INAPPROPRIATE, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com. Define inappropriate. inappropriate synonyms, inappropriate pronunciation, inappropriate translation, English dictionary definition of inappropriate. adj. Unsuitable or improper. in′ap·pro′pri·ate·ly adv. in′ap·pro′pri·ate·ness n. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Synonyms for INAPPROPRIATE: unsuitable, improper, incorrect, wrong, unhappy, unfit, irrelevant, unfortunate; Antonyms of INAPPROPRIATE: appropriate, suitable, correct, proper, right, relevant, happy, fitting INAPPROPRIATE definition: not appropriate; not proper or suitable. See examples of inappropriate used in a sentence. 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. If you say that someone's speech or behaviour in a particular situation is inappropriate, you are criticizing it because you think it is not suitable for that situation.