Word
unsuitable
Phoneticsun·suit·able
US/ənˈsutəbəɫ/
UK/ʌnsˈuːtəbəl/
Definition
adj. not right or appropriate for a particular person, purpose, or situation. You use this to describe something that does not fit because it is the wrong style, size, or quality.
adj. inappropriate or unfit for a specific purpose, person, or occasion. Often used to describe content, behavior, or physical conditions that fail to meet required standards or social norms.
Examples
“The movie is unsuitable for young children.”
“Heavy wool coats are unsuitable for the tropical climate of the island.”
“The board rejected the proposal, citing that the aggressive expansion strategy was unsuitable for the company's current financial stability and long-term risk profile.”
Examples
simple
“The movie is unsuitable for young children.”
contextual
“Heavy wool coats are unsuitable for the tropical climate of the island.”
complex
“The board rejected the proposal, citing that the aggressive expansion strategy was unsuitable for the company's current financial stability and long-term risk profile.”
Usage
Typically followed by the preposition 'for' when specifying the target or purpose.
Pitfall
The dress is unsuitable to the party.
The dress is unsuitable for the party.
Unsuitable almost always takes the preposition 'for' rather than 'to' when describing a situation or event.
Real-World Examples
“However, the graphite available in German-controlled territory contained impurities that made it unsuitable for the same purpose.” “He said he ended up sleeping rough because the accommodation he was offered after his last jail sentence was unsuitable and in a different city where he did not know anyone.” “This is mainly due to concerns about people offering unsuitable foods and birds becoming dependent on humans.” “Residents said the alternative crossing recommended by FE was along a road with no pavement or street lighting and was unsuitable and unsafe.” Etymology
From un- + suitable.
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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englishreference.com/q/unsuitable