unsuitable

adjective

un·​suit·​able ˌən-ˈsü-tə-bəl How to pronounce unsuitable (audio)
: not fitting or right for a use or purpose : not suitable
an unsuitable choice
unsuitable topics for conversation
unsuitability noun
unsuitability for the job
unsuitably adverb
unsuitably dressed

Examples of unsuitable in a Sentence

all the movies playing now are violent or otherwise unsuitable for a child's birthday party
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Washing Windows Cleaning windows works best in good lighting to achieve a streak-free finish, making nighttime an unsuitable time for the task. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025 Directed by Joseph Kahn, the clip features guest appearances from Marlon Lundgren Garcia and MrBeast, who play unsuitable prospects for the singer. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025 In this view, other European immigrants were unsuitable for civilizing the frontier—Southern Europeans were effete and decadent while Eastern European Jews were hapless in the woods and better-suited to urban, commercial spaces. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2025 This is due to the fact that research shows that distilled water, which is what our devices produce before mineralization, may be unsuitable for prolonged consumption. Joe Salas june 09, New Atlas, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsuitable

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsuitable was circa 1586

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unsuitable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsuitable. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

unsuitable

adjective
un·​suit·​able
ˌən-ˈsüt-ə-bəl,
ˈən-
: not suitable or fitting : unbecoming, inappropriate
unsuitably
-blē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on unsuitable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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