unfit

play

adjective un·fit \ˌən-ˈfit\

Definition of unfit

: not fit:a : not adapted to a purpose : unsuitableb : not qualified : incapable, incompetentc : 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

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
And yet, forthright discussion about the fact that the president is demonstrably, mentally unfit to hold high office has been in relatively short supply.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "Morning Joe Hosts: Trump Threatened Negative National Enquirer Story If We Didn’t Beg For Mercy", 30 June 2017
Only about 2,400 psychiatrists responded to the magazine’s request, and of those about 1,200 said Goldwater was unfit for the job.

— kurtis lee, latimes.com, "Trump and the Goldwater Rule: When is it OK to voice a professional opinion about the mental health of the president?", 19 June 2017
In Manchester in the U.K., the infamous early-’70s Hulme Crescents were declared unfit for habitation just two years after their construction.

— ian volner, The Atlantic, "The Legacy and Lessons of Grenfell Tower", 19 June 2017
Fred Shuttlesworth and Abraham Woods to protest the bond grant to Bobby Frank Cherry - one of the bombers of the 16th Street Baptist Church - who had at that time been deemed unfit to stand trial due to advanced dementia.

— erin edgemon, AL.com, "Community activist Frank Matthews announces run for Birmingham mayor", 19 June 2017
Kane County prosecutors will soon get a chance to prove their case against an Aurora man accused of a 2005 murder, but repeatedly found to be unfit to stand trial.

— dan campana, Aurora Beacon-News, "Discharge hearing set for man in Aurora murder case", 15 June 2017
Of course, given Trump's leadership style, the pertinent question might be narrowed down further: What happens when a monarch is judged as mentally unfit to rule?

— chicagotribune.com, "The Madness of King Donald", 14 June 2017
The political tempo picked up again Monday with May saying opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is unfit to handle security and Brexit.

— sara miller llana, The Christian Science Monitor, "London attack: investigation continues as Britain responds to another blow", 5 June 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

verb un·fit

Definition of unfit

transitive verb
: to make unfit : disable, disqualify

First Known Use of unfit

1611

UNFIT Defined for English Language Learners

unfit

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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

play

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

play

adjective un·fit \ˌən-ˈfit\

Legal Definition of unfit

1 : not suitable for a purpose food unfit for consumption
2a : not having the qualities, skills, or mental or moral soundness necessary to provide proper care unfit parentsb : not competent unfit to stand trialc : not capable or qualified an unfit employee a juror unfit to serve