unsuitable

adjective

un·​suit·​able ˌən-ˈsü-tə-bəl 

: not fitting or right for a use or purpose : not suitable

an unsuitable choice

unsuitable topics for conversation

unsuitability

ˌən-ˌsü-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

unsuitability for the job

unsuitably

ˌən-ˈsü-tə-blē 

adverb

unsuitably dressed

Synonyms

• amiss
• graceless
• improper
• inapposite
• inappropriate
• inapt
• incongruous
• incorrect
• indecorous
• inept
• infelicitous
• malapropos
• perverse
• unapt
• unbecoming
• unfit
• unhappy
• unseemly
• untoward
• wrong

Examples of unsuitable in a Sentence

all the movies playing now are violent or otherwise unsuitable for a child's birthday party

Recent Examples on the Web

Human services settings can suffer tremendously from unsuitable employees, who may jeopardize the health, safety or dignity of those in their care. —Debra Rinell, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

That alone makes rainbow eucalyptus unsuitable for most yards, but this Southeast Asia native is also an invasive pest in the southernmost portions of the U.S. To avoid issues, some people are growing rainbow eucalyptus indoors. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

Some problems include too much road salt and bacteria as well as unsuitable habitat for freshwater invertebrates that should be living on the riverbed. —Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024

In addition, jumping rope forces you to practice stability to prevent unsuitable displacement of your center of gravity to avoid injuries. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

unsuitable

adjective

un·​suit·​able

ˌən-ˈsüt-ə-bəl,

ˈən-

: not suitable or fitting : unbecoming, inappropriate

unsuitably

-blē

adverb