unsuitable

adjective

un·​suit·​able ˌən-ˈsü-tə-bəl 

: not fitting or right for a use or purpose : not suitable

an unsuitable choice

unsuitable topics for conversation

unsuitability

ˌən-ˌsü-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

unsuitability for the job

unsuitably

ˌən-ˈsü-tə-blē 

adverb

unsuitably dressed

Synonyms of unsuitable

• inappropriate
• improper
• wrong
• incorrect
• unfit
• unhappy

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

Guy acknowledges, though, that this could lead to the level of chaos depicted in a memorable 2009 episode of The Office, where staff show up in an array of unsuitable outfits. — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

That could allow geothermal projects to operate in locations that have traditionally been considered unsuitable for geothermal development. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026

When channels are created with unsuitable blades, angles, or placement, transplanted hair may grow in an unnatural direction or produce an overly uniform appearance. — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

Websites often attract unsuitable clients due to ineffective copy, hindering business growth. — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unsuitable

• mutable
• suitable
• computable
• disputable
• immutable
• imputable
• inscrutable
• executable
• indisputable
• irrefutable
• substitutable

Kids Definition

unsuitable

adjective

un·​suit·​able

ˌən-ˈsüt-ə-bəl, 

ˈən-

: not suitable or fitting : unbecoming, inappropriate

unsuitably

-blē

adverb