Words / A2

un-SOOT-uh-bl/ʌnˈsuːtəbl/

Unsuitable means not right for a purpose or person: unsuitable shoes, unsuitable for children, an unsuitable time. Suitable is the opposite. Wrong is simpler but less precise. Unfit can mean not healthy enough, or not suitable in some formal uses. Do not write unsuitable when you mean unsuitably (adverb), or unsightly (ugly).

Meaning

Not right or good enough for a purpose or person.

Examples

• “Those shoes are unsuitable for a long walk.”
• “High heels are unsuitable for the farm visit.”
• “The film is unsuitable for very young children.”

Good to know

unsuitable for / unsuitable shoes. Opposite: suitable. Mix-up: unsightly (ugly).

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