inappropriate

/ɪnəˈproʊpriət/

/ɪnəˈprʌʊpriɪt/

The word "appropriate" means correct or proper and since the little prefix "in" turns its meaning around, something inappropriate is considered not proper or suitable.

Nowadays, it seems, anything goes. Yet good manners and standards prevail, and some things are simply inappropriate — such as taking a toddler to a violent movie, or making jokes at someone else's expense. You wouldn't show your future father-in-law naked pictures of his daughter or wear a bathing suit to a state dinner. Those actions are simply inappropriate.

Definitions of inappropriate

1. adjective

   not suitable for a particular occasion etc
   “noise seems inappropriate at a time of sadness”

   “inappropriate shoes for a walk on the beach”

   “put inappropriate pressure on them”

   synonyms:

   unbefitting

   not befitting

   improper, wrong

   not appropriate for a purpose or occasion

   malapropos

   of an inappropriate or incorrectly applied nature

   improper

   not suitable or right or appropriate

   antonyms:

   appropriate

   suitable for a particular person, place, condition, etc.

   befitting

   appropriate to

   grade-appropriate

   the quality of ability and work that is appropriate for students in a specified grade

   pat

   exactly suited to the occasion

   proper, right

   appropriate for a condition or purpose or occasion or a person's character, needs

   apropos

   of an appropriate or pertinent nature

   proper

   marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
2. adjective

   not in keeping with what is correct or proper
   “completely inappropriate behavior”

   synonyms: incompatible, out of keeping, unfitting

   incongruous

   lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness