olämplig

Olämplig is a Swedish adjective meaning not appropriate or unsuitable for a given purpose, context, or person. It describes actions, behavior, attire, proposals, or individuals who are not suited for a task or situation. The opposite is lämplig. In everyday language it can refer to both concrete and abstract suitability, and it is often used in criticism or evaluation of timing, method, or conduct. Related terms include olämplighet, the noun form meaning unsuitability or inappropriateness.

Etymology and usage notes: olämplig is formed by adding the negative prefix o- to lämplig (suitable). The word is part of standard Swedish and is used across formal and informal registers. It can modify nouns in attributive position (en olämplig plan) or be used predicatively (Planen var olämplig). The adverbial form remains olämpligt when describing a verb or action (Det var olämpligt att fråga om lönerna).

Inflection and forms: as with other Swedish adjectives, olämplig agrees with number and definiteness. Indefinite singular: olämplig (en-words) or olämpligt (ett-words). Plural: olämpliga. Definite forms: den olämpliga personen, det olämpliga beteendet, de olämpliga förslagen. The noun form olämplighet denotes the quality of being unsuitable.

Examples of usage: olämplig klädsel (inappropriate attire), olämpliga frågor (inappropriate questions), olämpligt beteende (inappropriate behavior). The term is commonly used in media, education, workplaces, and public discourse to indicate contextual unsuitability rather than moral judgment.