unfit

[uhn-fit]

adjective

1. not fit; not adapted or suited; unsuitable.

   He was unfit for his office.

   Synonyms: unapt, inappropriate

2. unqualified or incompetent.

   Synonyms: incapable

3. not physically fit or in due condition.

4. Biology.,  pertaining to an organism or population that is not adapted to prevailing conditions or is not producing offspring in sufficient numbers to maintain its contribution to the gene pool of the next generation.

verb (used with object)

1. to render unfit or unsuitable; disqualify.

unfit

/ ʌnˈfɪt /

adjective

1. unqualified, incapable, or incompetent

   unfit for military service

2. unsuitable or inappropriate

   the ground was unfit for football

3. in poor physical condition

Other Word Forms

• unfitness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfit¹

First recorded in 1535–45; un- ¹ + fit ¹

Example Sentences

"It is right that the Metropolitan Police have condemned this, and we fully support their pledge to root out those unfit to serve the public," she added.

From BBC

He is expected to play despite having a neck issue but if he is unfit to face Harris English, both sides will pick up half a point each.

From BBC

The teenager was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit through drugs, driving without a licence and insurance and aggravated vehicle taking.

From BBC

Having deemed Kwan unfit to practice medicine, the tribunal said he would undergo "erasure" from the medical register with immediate effect.

From BBC

Judge Guy Mathieson said he had ruled Cowen unfit to stand trial and told jurors to instead determine the facts of what had happened.

From BBC

Related Words

• ill-equipped 
• impotent 
• inadequate 
• incapable 
• ineligible 
• unable 
• unprepared 
• unqualified 
• useless