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

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
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
For at least the second time in 241 years, these parts have a prince who is woefully unfit for the job.

— will bunch, Philly.com, "Independence rings hollow on a July 4 with zero accountability," 5 July 2017
Even if new information is unearthed, the bar for an unfit and improper finding is high.

— joe mayes, Bloomberg.com, "Murdoch at Crossroads Weighing Fox's Next Move in Sky Bid," 4 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
Investment in social housing plummeted, and by 1997 2.3 million public housing tenants lived in accommodation that was unfit for purpose.

— tara john/london, Time, "The Continuing Urgency of the Grenfell Tower Inferno," 23 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

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

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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