Definition

Not suitable or appropriate for a particular situation; lacking skill or ability.

Example

His inapt comments during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.

Conversation

Did you hear his comments during the meeting?

Yeah, they were quite inapt for the situation.

I thought so too; it was really awkward for everyone.

Exactly! It made it hard to focus on the main topic.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inapt is formed from the prefix "in-" (meaning not) and the root "apt" (from Latin "aptus", meaning suitable or fit). The word "inapt" means not suitable or unfit for a particular purpose.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being added to 'suitable' ('apt') — that's why inapt means not suitable.

Visually Confused Words