Word
unfit
Phoneticsun·fit, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈfɪt/
UK/ʌnfˈɪt/
Definitions
01not physically healthy
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not healthy or strong because you do not exercise enough.
adj. lacking physical fitness or conditioning; out of shape.
“He felt very unfit after taking a break from the gym for three months.”
“The medical report suggested that the patient was dangerously unfit, exhibiting a resting heart rate significantly higher than the average for his age group.”
Usage
Often used to describe a temporary state resulting from a lack of exercise.
Synonyms
02unsuitable or low quality
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not good enough or not suitable for a particular job or purpose.
adj. inappropriate or unsuitable for a specific purpose, often due to poor quality or lack of qualifications.
“The old house was declared unfit for people to live in.”
“The committee deemed the candidate unfit for the leadership role, citing a lack of experience in international relations.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the phrase 'unfit for' followed by a noun or a gerund.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to make unsuitable
C2 · Proficiency Formal · Literary
v. to make someone or something not suitable for a task.
v. to render someone or something unsuitable or disqualified for a particular purpose.
“His lack of patience might unfit him for a job as a teacher.”
“The trauma of the event threatened to unfit her for any further diplomatic service in the region.”
Usage
This transitive verb is rare in modern speech and is mostly found in formal or older literature.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Travel editor Rory Boland said its checks had been shown to be "unfit for purpose".” Etymology
From un- + fit.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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