: not fit:
a
: not adapted to a purpose : unsuitable
—often used with for
a movie unfit for children
b
: not qualified : incapable, incompetent
unfit parents
—often used with forunfit for office
c
: physically or mentally unsound
became unfit [=out of shape] over the winter
unfitly
adverb
unfitness
noun
Examples of unfit in a Sentence
Adjective
just because I don't have actual work experience doesn't mean I'm unfit for the job
those flimsy shoes are unfit for the hike we're about to take
Recent Examples on the Web
Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
The Bush and Quayle team won the 1988 election, but the impression of Quayle as unfit for the job remained a drag on Bush’s reputation.
—Time, 3 Nov. 2025
Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 8 May 2019
There are certainly women in this world who are simply unfitted, emotionally or physically, to have children.
—Charles McCabe, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 June 2018
See All Example Sentences for unfit
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Adjective
Miyares referenced a Richmond Times-Dispatch report of a Virginia trooper clocking Jones at 116 miles per hour, framing him as unfit to enforce the law.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
The Bush and Quayle team won the 1988 election, but the impression of Quayle as unfit for the job remained a drag on Bush’s reputation.
—Time, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
For comparison, here's the original: This fight scene has often been derided as boring, awkward, and unfitting a Star Wars franchise that would eventually have an evil cyborg who could wield four lightsabers simultaneously.
—Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 8 May 2019
There are certainly women in this world who are simply unfitted, emotionally or physically, to have children.
—Charles McCabe, San Francisco Chronicle, 14 June 2018
See All Example Sentences for unfit
Cite this Entry
“Unfit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfit. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unfit
1 of 2 adjective
un·fit
ˌən-ˈfit 
1
: unsuitable
food that is unfit to eat
2
: not qualified : incapable, incompetent
removed unfit candidates by testing
3
: physically or mentally unhealthy
unfit for army service
unfit
2 of 2 verb
: to make unfit : disable, disqualify
Legal Definition
unfit
adjective
un·fit
ˌən-ˈfit
1
: not suitable for a purpose
food unfit for consumption
2
a
: not having the qualities, skills, or mental or moral soundness necessary to provide proper care
unfit parents
b
: not competent
unfit to stand trial
c
: not capable or qualified
an unfit employee
a juror unfit to serve
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