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

His advocates contend Roberson’s sickly toddler, Nikki Curtis, died of double pneumonia that had progressed to sepsis, her illness further exacerbated by a combination of medicines now seen as unsuitable for children. —Dakin Andone, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024

Many electrolyte drinks, especially those branded as sports drinks, have ingredients unsuitable for young children. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 30 July 2024

Tongkat Ali Alternatives Other options are available if tongkat ali is unsuitable for you. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 9 Oct. 2024

Watermarking technology favored by big tech companies is particularly unsuitable for preventing the spread of misinformation. —Megan Morrone, Axios, 7 Oct. 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