suitable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of suitable
Explanation
As suitable means appropriate for the purpose, you can imagine that sneakers are more suitable than high heels at a track meet. While suitable always means appropriate for a certain person or situation, sometimes it is not based on fact but merely a matter of opinion. A bicycle is not a suitable mode of transportation during a winter storm because the rider is exposed to the elements. However, the clothing that you think is just fine for school might seem unsuitable to the principal. Unfortunately, he has the final say in that one!
Vocabulary lists containing suitable
The Diary of Anne Frank
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The Watsons Go to Birmingham
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Mr. Popper’s Penguins
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Sadly, today, our sea has become shallow. It's no longer suitable for swimming."
From Barron's • Jun. 19, 2026
A simple example: allowing builders to use a single central staircase, instead of two, which frees up space to add larger apartment units more suitable for families.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026
Katie said OIT can work for some severe allergies, but is not suitable for high-risk "complex" children such as Yann, with a history of anaphylaxis across many foods plus severe asthma, hayfever and eczema.
From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026
"India could absolutely become a major agave economy. The Deccan Plateau alone has millions of acres suitable for cultivation. We could theoretically rival Mexico if there's long-term vision and patience."
From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026
The men immediately set out looking for a suitable tree to build a canoe.
From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
