# unsuitable

/ənˈsutəbəɫ/ (US) · /ʌnsˈuːtəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/unsuitable
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The dress is unsuitable to the party." but "The dress is unsuitable for the party." — Unsuitable almost always takes the preposition 'for' rather than 'to' when describing a situation or event.

## Usage notes

- Typically followed by the preposition 'for' when specifying the target or purpose.

---

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.