# suitable

/ˈsutəbəɫ/ (US) · /sˈuːtəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/suitable
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation. You use this when something fits the needs of the moment.

For teachers: right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation; meeting the required standards or conditions for a specific use.

## Examples

- This movie is not suitable for young children.
- The candidate has the right experience, but we need to decide if her personality is suitable for our team culture.
- Finding a suitable location for the new laboratory required balancing the need for high-speed internet access with the necessity of a vibration-free environment far from heavy traffic.

## Pitfalls

- Not "This is suitable to children." but "This is suitable for children." — When indicating the intended recipient or audience, use 'for' rather than 'to'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'for' or an infinitive 'to' phrase.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.