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

These allegations have been especially polarizing for young women—who say the allegations make him unfit for office—and older women who say there are bigger concerns.

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They said Phillips had lost survivors' trust, and that she and candidates to chair the inquiry were unfit for their roles.

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"We will root out those unfit to serve the public," she said.

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"It's been less than a year, but Reform in Kent is proving with each day that the party is politically and morally unfit to be near power at any level."

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Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has pledged to be "ruthless" in getting rid of officers who are unfit to serve.

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Related Words

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