: 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
un·fit·ness
: the quality or state of being unfit:
a
: unsuitability, inappropriateness
the unfitness of the gesture
b
: poor physical condition
the unfitness of many factory workers
c
: incompetence
could not conceal his unfitness for the work
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
Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
If venue personnel deem any person to be a threat, or otherwise unfit, in their sole discretion, he or she will not be permitted access and shall forfeit the prize.
—AJC.com, 8 June 2026
Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for unfit
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Adjective
Brown has been determined mentally unfit to stand trial on federal charges, and the courts will attempt to determine if he can be treated to understand his case.
—Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
If venue personnel deem any person to be a threat, or otherwise unfit, in their sole discretion, he or she will not be permitted access and shall forfeit the prize.
—AJC.com, 8 June 2026
Verb
The supporting characters are more functional than fleshed-out, perhaps not unfitting for a portrait of someone like Gabrielle, a force of purpose and passion who has the effect of making those around her feel inessential.
—Jon Frosch, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for unfit
Cite this Entry
“Unfit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unfit. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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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