unsuitable

1 of 2

adjective

un·​suit·​able ˌən-ˈsü-tə-bəl How to pronounce unsuitable (audio)
Synonyms of unsuitablenext
: 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 How to pronounce unsuitable (audio)
noun
unsuitability for the job
unsuitably
ˌən-ˈsü-tə-blē How to pronounce unsuitable (audio)
adverb
unsuitably dressed

unsuitability

2 of 2

noun

un·​suitability "+ How to pronounce unsuitability (audio)
: unsuitableness

Synonyms of unsuitable

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Adjective

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Examples of unsuitable in a Sentence

Adjective all the movies playing now are violent or otherwise unsuitable for a child's birthday party
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
When obtaining arborist wood chips, inquire about the type of trees in the batch to avoid unsuitable ones. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 20 May 2026 The trend was further compounded in koalas with chlamydiosis -- a common bacterial disease among the species -- and those found in unsuitable conditions, Mella said. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 May 2026 The team found that several 2D materials praised for their electronic properties may become unsuitable once they are built into real devices. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026 The dogs were found to be living in unsuitable conditions, while the puppies were suffering from malnutrition, and a number of the dogs had additional medical conditions as well. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for unsuitable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsuitable was circa 1586

Rhymes for unsuitable

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Browse Nearby Words

unsuitability
unsuitable
unsuitableness
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Cite this Entry

“Unsuitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsuitable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unsuitable

adjective
un·​suit·​able
ˌən-ˈsüt-ə-bəl, 
ˈən-
: not suitable or fitting : unbecoming, inappropriate
unsuitably
-blē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unsuitable

Nglish: Translation of unsuitable for Spanish Speakers

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