unfit

adjective un·fit \ ˌən-ˈfit \

Definition of unfit

:not fit:

a :not adapted to a purpose :unsuitable

b :not qualified :incapable, incompetent

c :physically or mentally unsound

—

unfitly

adverb

—

unfitness

noun

See unfit defined for English-language learners

See unfit defined for kids

Examples of unfit in a Sentence

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 of unfit from the Web

The Amendment states that the Vice President and the majority of the Cabinet can decide that the President is either physically or mentally unfit to serve.

— hillary kelly, Glamour, "It's Time to Impeach Donald Trump," 16 Aug. 2017
In other words, by continuing to employ Damore, who seems to believe some of his colleagues were fundamentally unfit to do their jobs, Google might have opened itself up to much broader legal action.

— david z. morris, Fortune, "Fired Google Engineer Hits Back in Public Statement," 11 Aug. 2017
After his capture in August 1977, Berkowitz’s claims that he’d been ordered to kill by a demon (through a barking dog) initially led him to be judged mentally unfit.

— chris harris, PEOPLE.com, "The Moment the ‘Son of Sam’ Was Captured by Police, Ending His Murder Spree: ‘You Got Me’," 4 Aug. 2017
Arbitrator Paul Glendon, who upheld the troopers' grievance in a November 2016 opinion and ordered the State Police to put Tuer back to work, was highly critical of the Ostrov's report declaring Tuer unfit for duty.

— paul egan, Detroit Free Press, "State trooper alleges MSP retaliated against him for attending AA meetings," 25 July 2017
Louisville lawyer John K. Bush’s nomination for a federal appeals court seat was narrowly approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday after some Democrats said his blog posts rendered him unfit for office.

— andrew wolfson, The Courier-Journal, "U.S. Senate panel OKs John K. Bush for appeal courts despite 'provocative' posts," 13 July 2017
All three national police commissioners appointed since 2000 have ended their terms in disgrace: one was jailed for corruption, one fired after a scandal over property deals and another found unfit to hold office.

— The Economist, "Criminals are running circles around South Africa’s police," 12 July 2017
Opposition lawmakers and international officials are now calling for an independent inquiry into the spying scandal, declaring Mexico unfit to investigate itself.

— azam ahmed, Alaska Dispatch News, "Spyware sold to Mexican government targeted investigators of student disappearances," 10 July 2017
A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

— amy b wang, chicagotribune.com, "NPR tweeted the Declaration of Independence. Some thought it was 'propaganda.'," 5 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unfit.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of unfit

1545

unfit Synonyms

Synonyms

inapt, incapable, inept, inexpert, unable, incompetent, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful

Antonyms

able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent

Related Words

ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient; amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional; unequipped, unprepared, untrained; useless, worthless; disqualified, ineligible; wanting

Near Antonyms

prepared, ready, trained; overqualified; accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced (also practised), seasoned, veteran, virtuoso; all-around (also all-round), protean, versatile

unfit

verb

Definition of unfit

transitive verb

:to make unfit :disable, disqualify

Recent Examples of unfit from the Web

The design would be printed to hide the juice stains, thick enough to go commando, and unfitted, to keep comfortable and cool in the Florida heat.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "The Fascinating Story of How Lilly Pulitzer Came to Be," 10 Aug. 2017

First Known Use of unfit

1611

UNFIT Defined for English Language Learners

unfit

adjective

Definition of unfit for English Language Learners

: not proper, suitable, or acceptable
: not having the necessary qualities, skills, mental health, etc., to do something
: not physically healthy : not in good physical condition

UNFIT Defined for Kids

unfit

adjective un·fit \ ˌən-ˈfit \

Definition of unfit for Students

1 :not suitable

The food was unfit to eat.

2 :not qualified

He is unfit for this job.

3 :physically unhealthy

Law Dictionary

unfit

adjective un·fit \ ˌən-ˈfit \

legal Definition of unfit

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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unfit Synonyms

Synonyms

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unfit

Definition of unfit

Recent Examples of unfit from the Web

First Known Use of unfit

UNFIT Defined for English Language Learners

unfit

Definition of unfit for English Language Learners

UNFIT Defined for Kids

unfit

Definition of unfit for Students

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unfit

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