wholly inappropriate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wholly inappropriate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely unsuitable or unacceptable in a given context. Example: "The comments made during the meeting were wholly inappropriate and did not reflect the values of our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was wholly inappropriate.

The New York Times

"It's wholly inappropriate".

The New York Times

"Obviously, that would be wholly inappropriate," Mr. Carney said.

The New York Times

"It is half naked which is wholly inappropriate for children.

Independent

That would be wholly inappropriate, unprofessional and illegal.

The Guardian - Tech

The term "regulated" seems wholly inappropriate in this instance too.

The Guardian

"Sing me something holy," she cackles, "something wholly inappropriate".

The Guardian

"That's wholly inappropriate and wholly in the public interest".

The Guardian

The Tyson part strikes USA Today's Michael Hiestand as wholly inappropriate.

The New York Times - Sports

"Its wholly inappropriate for him to lay it at the lap of the county," he said.

The New York Times

Kant is often described as an ethical rationalist, and the description is not wholly inappropriate.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wholly inappropriate", ensure the context clearly establishes the standard or expectation being violated. This adds weight to your assertion and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "wholly inappropriate" is a strong expression, avoid using it in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for milder terms like "unsuitable" or "not right" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly inappropriate" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "inappropriate". According to Ludwig, it describes something as completely unsuitable or unacceptable, similar to how the word "very" amplifies an adjective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wholly inappropriate" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something completely unsuitable or unacceptable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific writing, to express strong disapproval. While alternatives like "entirely unsuitable" or "completely unacceptable" exist, "wholly inappropriate" offers a specific emphasis on the utter lack of suitability. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the violated standard to maximize its impact and avoid overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely unsuitable

Replaces "inappropriate" with "unsuitable" and "wholly" with "entirely", focusing on the lack of fitness for a purpose.

completely unacceptable

Substitutes "inappropriate" with "unacceptable" and "wholly" with "completely", emphasizing that something cannot be tolerated.

totally improper

Uses "improper" instead of "inappropriate" and "totally" instead of "wholly", highlighting a breach of standards or ethics.

utterly wrong

Replaces "inappropriate" with "wrong" and "wholly" with "utterly", conveying a strong sense of incorrectness or unacceptability.

absolutely out of line

Replaces "wholly inappropriate" with a phrase indicating a transgression of acceptable boundaries.

patently unsuitable

Uses "patently" for "wholly", indicating obviousness, and "unsuitable" for "inappropriate", focusing on a clear lack of fitness.

thoroughly unbecoming

Emphasizes the lack of suitability in terms of social expectations or decorum.

altogether misguided

Shifts the focus to a fundamental flaw in thinking or planning.

grossly inadequate

Highlights a significant deficiency or insufficiency, rather than inappropriateness.

seriously flawed

Focuses on significant imperfections or defects, indicating something is fundamentally wrong.

FAQs

What does "wholly inappropriate" mean?

The phrase "wholly inappropriate" means completely unsuitable or unacceptable. It indicates that something is entirely out of place or violates established standards of behavior, decorum, or correctness.

How can I use "wholly inappropriate" in a sentence?

You can use "wholly inappropriate" to describe actions, comments, or behaviors that are entirely unsuitable for a given context. For example: "His behavior at the formal dinner was "wholly inappropriate"."

What are some alternatives to "wholly inappropriate"?

Some alternatives to "wholly inappropriate" include "entirely unsuitable", "completely unacceptable", or "totally improper". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "wholly" with "inappropriate"?

While "inappropriate" already suggests something is unsuitable, adding "wholly" emphasizes the complete and utter nature of the unsuitability. It's not strictly redundant, but it adds a degree of emphasis.