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

But presidents don’t have the right to act surprised when a truly unsuitable name is put forward and the move is met with almost universal condemnation or at best skepticism. —The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 18 Nov. 2024

Prior to that, the state’s licensing authority could deny licenses when a criminal history made someone unsuitable to treat patients by reviewing their history and current circumstances. —Stephen Simpson, Austin American-Statesman, 15 Nov. 2024

More news: Dodgers Veteran Has Parting Shot For Yankees' Jazz Chisholm on Social Media For that reason, many believe an outdoor venue would be unsuitable as a temporary home to begin the 2025 season. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Too many clubs are now bound by unsuitable capacities, where demand for tickets outstrips supply. —Philip Buckingham, The Athletic, 2 Aug. 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