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Unsuitable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšซ
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unsuitable

[สŒnหˆsuหtษ™bษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

for a job

Not appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose, situation, or person.

Synonyms

improper, inappropriate, unfit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsuitable

Use when something does not meet the requirements or is not convenient for a particular purpose or person.

  • The shoes are unsuitable for hiking.
  • The movie is unsuitable for children.
inappropriate

Use when something is not suitable or proper in the context of social norms or specific situations. It often has a negative connotation but is softer than 'improper'.

  • Her comments were inappropriate for a professional setting.
  • Wearing jeans to a wedding is generally considered inappropriate.
unfit

Use when referring to someone or something that lacks the necessary qualities, abilities, or conditions for a particular role or purpose. It often has a more severe negative connotation.

  • The athlete was deemed unfit to compete due to his injury.
  • The food was unfit for consumption.
improper

Use when something is not correct or acceptable according to conventional standards or the law. It carries a negative connotation.

  • His improper behavior got him expelled from school.
  • The improper use of equipment can cause accidents.

Examples of usage

  • This candidate is unsuitable for the position due to lack of experience.
  • Her attitude towards work makes her unsuitable for a leadership role.
Context #2 | Adjective

for a particular task

Not appropriate or suitable for a particular task or activity.

Synonyms

inadequate, unfit, unsuited.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unsuitable

Used when something does not fit a particular situation or purpose well. Often used for objects, clothes, or actions.

  • This dress is unsuitable for a formal event.
  • His behavior was unsuitable for a professional meeting.
inadequate

Used when something is not enough or not sufficient for a specific need or demand. Often used for resources, information, or preparation.

  • The funds were inadequate to complete the project.
  • Her preparation was inadequate for the exam.
unsuited

This word has already been described, so the same usage and examples apply.
unfit

Used when someone or something is not suitable for a particular purpose, often implying that there is something wrong or lacking. It can have a negative connotation when referring to people.

  • He is unfit to drive after drinking alcohol.
  • The house is unfit for living due to the extensive damage.

Examples of usage

  • This type of material is unsuitable for outdoor use.
  • The software proved to be unsuitable for our needs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, something deemed 'unsuitable' can refer to conditions for employment or adoption, indicating a lack of fit.
  • It often appears in assessments for compliance with regulations, underscoring the importance of proper standards.
  • Judicial rulings frequently highlight 'unsuitable' circumstances for actions taken, impacting case outcomes.

Psychology

  • In psychology, something unsuitable can affect a person's mental health, as environments or relationships should typically match individual needs.
  • The term often appears in discussions about child development, where unsuitable stimuli might hinder learning.
  • Therapists often assess whether relationships are suitable or unsuitable for a personโ€™s emotional wellbeing.

Cultural Insights

  • In various cultures, certain attire is considered unsuitable for occasions such as weddings or formal events.
  • In literature, characters often face dilemmas over unsuitable actions or choices, highlighting moral conflicts.
  • Food customs around the world define what is suitable or unsuitable to eat based on local traditions and health beliefs.

Environmental Factors

  • In environmental science, certain habitats are unsuitable for particular species, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
  • Urban planning requires assessing areas that might be unsuitable for development due to flood risks or pollution.
  • Agricultural practices often evaluate soil and climate conditions to determine whether they are suitable or unsuitable for crops.

Origin of 'unsuitable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word โ€˜unsuitableโ€™ comes from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and โ€˜suitableโ€™, which means 'appropriate'.
  • It has been part of the English language since the early 19th century, evolving with the growing need for more specific language.
  • Before โ€˜unsuitableโ€™ became common, people used phrases like 'not fitting' to express the same idea.

The word 'unsuitable' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the adjective 'suitable' meaning 'appropriate or fitting'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century and has been used to describe things or people that are not fitting or appropriate for a particular purpose or situation.

See also: suit, suitability, suitable, suitably, suite, suitor, unsuitability, unsuitably, unsuited.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,172, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.