Words / B1

in-uh-PROHPR-ee-uh-t/ˌɪnəˈprəʊpriət/

Inappropriate means not suitable for the situation or the people: inappropriate clothing; an inappropriate comment. Unsuitable is close; rude is stronger and about manners. Appropriate is the opposite. In exams and HR emails the word is common. Do not use it for food that is merely not your taste — that is not to my taste, not inappropriate, unless there is a rule (a nut-free school).

Meaning

Not suitable for the situation or for the people involved.

Examples

• “Jeans would be inappropriate for the interview.”
• “A joke about the accident was inappropriate in the briefing.”
• “Trainers are inappropriate for the interview, even if they are expensive.”

Good to know

inappropriate for the situation / an inappropriate comment. Opposite: appropriate. Close: unsuitable. Stronger manners: rude.

Near in meaning

unsuitable

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