Inapproprié

Inapproprié is a French adjective meaning not appropriate or improper. It describes behavior, remarks, attire, content, or decisions that fail to meet social norms, rules, or sensitivities. The term is commonly used to flag actions or statements that are considered unsuitable for a given context.

Grammatical notes: inapproprié agrees with the noun it modifies (masculine singular: inapproprié; feminine singular: inappropriée; masculine plural: inappropriés; feminine plural: inappropriées). It is typically placed after the noun in French, as in un comportement inapproprié or ce commentaire est inapproprié. There are adverbial forms as well, most often expressed as de manière inappropriée or inappropriément.

Usage and nuance: the word spans formal and informal contexts. It appears in workplaces, schools, media, and policy guidelines to indicate content, language, or conduct that is not suitable for a audience or situation. Depending on context, inapproprié can convey mild disapproval or strong condemnation. Related terms include déplacé, inconvenant, and malvenu, which carry similar senses, as well as the opposite term approprié, meaning suitable or proper.

Translations and cross-linguistic notes: in English, inapproprié translates to inappropriate. The term is a standard part of everyday French and is widely understood across registers, from casual conversation to professional communication. It functions as a versatile descriptor for behavior, language, dress, or material that does not fit a particular setting or standard.