unfit
gb/ʌnfˈɪt/ us/ʌnfˈɪt/
B1
English
~ 7300
alkalmatlan, edzetlen, rossz kondiban van, keresőképtelen, nem való, alkalmatlanná tesz, képtelenné tesz
B2
1
alkalmatlan
B1
Usage pattern:
[something] is unfit for [purpose/group]
The water was declared unfit for human consumption after the chemical spill.
A vegyi anyag kiömlése után a vizet emberi fogyasztásra alkalmatlannak nyilvánították.
Inspectors found several apartments unfit for habitation.
Az ellenőrök több lakást lakhatásra alkalmatlannak találtak.
Much of the equipment is old and unfit for modern production standards.
The meat was judged unfit for sale and had to be destroyed.
They considered the playground unfit to play in until the broken swings were fixed.
Learner examples
This food is unfit for people to eat.
Ez az étel emberi fogyasztásra alkalmatlan.
The old house is unfit for a family to live in.
A régi ház alkalmatlan arra, hogy egy család lakjon benne.
The doctor said the dirty water is unfit for drinking.
These shoes are unfit for running long distances.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"The water is not fit"* without adding what it is not fit for. In most cases, you should say *"unfit for [purpose]"*, for example: *"unfit for drinking"* or *"unfit for children"*. They may also confuse *"unfit"* with *"unhealthy"*: food can be *unhealthy* but still legally safe, while *unfit* usually means it should not be used at all.
Meaning
not suitable for a use or purpose
Collocations
unfit for human consumption
|unfit for use
|unfit for purpose
|unfit to live in
|housing unfit for habitation
|water unfit to drink
Synonyms
unsuitable (General word for not being right or acceptable for a particular purpose.)
|
inadequate (Emphasizes that the thing does not reach the needed level or standard.)
|
unsafe (Stresses that using it could cause harm or danger.)
Antonyms
suitable (Meets the needs or conditions for a particular use.)
|
fit (Often used in official or technical judgments meaning good enough or safe to use.)
|
appropriate (Socially or practically right for the situation or purpose.)
Themes
quality
|safety
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not good, safe, or right to be used for something.
Not suitable, safe, or of sufficient quality for a particular use, purpose, or group of people.
B1
2
edzetlen
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is unfit
I feel really unfit after sitting at a desk all winter.
Nagyon edzetlennek érzem magam, miután egész télen az íróasztalnál ültem.
He was too unfit to keep up with the rest of the team.
Túl edzetlen volt ahhoz, hogy tartsa a tempót a csapat többi tagjával.
The test showed that many students were unfit for intense physical activity.
If you are very unfit, start with short walks and build up slowly.
Learner examples
I am unfit because I do not do any exercise.
Edzetlen vagyok, mert nem mozgok semmit.
She gets tired quickly because she is unfit.
Gyorsan elfárad, mert edzetlen.
He is too unfit to run five kilometers.
I felt unfit after many weeks of no sport.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse *"unfit"* with *"tired"*. *Unfit* describes your general condition over a period of time, while *tired* describes how you feel at a specific moment. Also, say *"I am unfit"*, not *"I have unfit"*.
Meaning
not physically fit or in shape
Collocations
physically unfit
|grossly unfit
|too unfit to run
|unfit and overweight
|feel very unfit
Synonyms
out of shape (Informal; commonly used for everyday talk about low physical fitness.)
|
unhealthy (Broader; can refer to diet or lifestyle, not only physical fitness level.)
Antonyms
fit (General word for being in good physical condition.)
|
in shape (Informal phrase meaning physically fit and able to exercise.)
|
athletic (Suggests not only fit but also naturally strong or good at sports.)
Themes
health
|sports
|daily_life
|body
Definition
Not strong or healthy enough, especially for sports or exercise.
Physically out of shape; lacking fitness, strength, or stamina.
B2
3
alkalmatlan
B1
Usage pattern:
[someone] is unfit for [work/duty]
The doctor signed a note stating that she was unfit for work for two weeks.
Az orvos igazolást írt arról, hogy két hétig keresőképtelen.
He was found medically unfit for military service.
Egészségügyileg alkalmatlannak minősítették katonai szolgálatra.
After the accident, the pilot was declared unfit to fly.
The judge ruled that the defendant was unfit to stand trial.
Because of his condition, he is currently unfit to drive.
Learner examples
The doctor says I am unfit for work this week.
Az orvos szerint ezen a héten keresőképtelen vagyok.
He is unfit for duty after his injury.
Sérülése miatt szolgálatra alkalmatlan.
The court said she was unfit to stand trial.
Because of his eye problem, he is unfit to drive a car.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say *"unfit to work"* where formal contexts more often use *"unfit for work"*. Both are understandable, but *"unfit for work"* is the common fixed phrase in official or medical writing.
Meaning
not medically or mentally able for duty
Collocations
unfit for work
|unfit for duty
|unfit to stand trial
|unfit to drive
|medically unfit
|declared unfit
Synonyms
incapable (Stresses lack of ability, often in a formal or official context.)
|
unfit for duty (Set phrase in itself, used especially in military or police contexts.)
|
incapacitated (Emphasizes that illness or injury prevents normal functioning.)
Antonyms
fit for work (Common medical or HR phrase meaning able to work.)
|
fit for duty (Used in official contexts (police, military) to mean able to perform required tasks.)
|
competent (Stresses that someone has the necessary ability or mental capacity.)
Themes
health
|work
|law
Definition
Not able to do a job or duty because of illness, injury, or mental problems, often decided by a doctor or court.
Not physically or mentally capable, often by official or medical judgment, of carrying out a particular job, duty, or legal act.
C1
4
nem való
B1
Usage pattern:
[something] is unfit for [audience/purpose]
The editor considered the scene unfit for publication in a family magazine.
A szerkesztő úgy ítélte meg, hogy a jelenet nem való egy családi magazinba.
Many parents felt the film was unfit for young children.
Sok szülő úgy érezte, hogy a film nem való fiatal gyerekeknek.
His comments were unfit for broadcast and were cut from the live show.
Teachers complained that the book’s language was unfit for use in the classroom.
Learner examples
This movie is unfit for children.
Ez a film nem való gyerekeknek.
The words he used are unfit for TV.
Az általa használt szavak nem valók tévébe.
The picture is unfit for a school book.
Some people think this song is unfit for radio.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes try to use *"unfit"* where *"rude"* or *"impolite"* is better in everyday speech. *Unfit* in this sense is more often used about media or content being allowed or not allowed (for example, *unfit for children*, *unfit for publication*).
Meaning
morally or socially improper
Collocations
unfit for children
|unfit for family viewing
|unfit for broadcast
|unfit for publication
|unfit for a classroom
|unfit for a public forum
Synonyms
inappropriate (General word for not acceptable in a social or moral sense.)
|
offensive (Emphasizes that the content may upset or anger people.)
|
indecent (Stronger; often used for sexual or very rude content.)
Antonyms
suitable (Acceptable and correct for the audience or situation.)
|
wholesome (Suggests something is healthy and morally safe, especially for children.)
|
acceptable (Socially or morally allowed; not likely to offend.)
Themes
ethics
|media
|politeness
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Too rude, violent, or bad for some people or places, for example for children or for TV.
Morally, socially, or culturally improper and therefore not suitable for a particular audience, place, or form of publication.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
5
Usage pattern:
[something] unfits [someone/something] for [duty/purpose]
The serious back injury may unfit him for heavy manual work.
A súlyos hátsérülés alkalmatlanná teheti őt a nehéz fizikai munka végzésére.
Years of isolation can unfit a person for normal social life.
Az évekig tartó elszigeteltség alkalmatlanná tehet valakit a normális társas életre.
Poor training will unfit these recruits for front-line duty.
Learner examples
A bad accident can unfit a worker for his job.
Egy súlyos baleset alkalmatlanná teheti a dolgozót a munkájára.
Serious illness may unfit her for normal work.
Egy súlyos betegség alkalmatlanná teheti őt a szokásos munkájára.
Long prison time can unfit a person for life outside.
The damage could unfit the car for long trips.
Common mistake:
This verb use is formal and not very common in everyday speech. Learners often overuse it instead of more natural phrases like *"make him unable to work"* or *"stop her from working"*. Use the verb *"unfit"* mainly in formal or written contexts, especially with *"for"*: *"unfit him for service"*.
Meaning
make someone or something unsuitable
Collocations
injury unfit[s] him for service
|illness unfit[s] her for work
|age may unfit them for duty
|conditions that unfit a building for use
|accident unfit[s] him for military service
Synonyms
disable (Often used when injury or illness removes physical ability.)
|
disqualify (Focuses on removing the right or permission to do something, often officially.)
Antonyms
prepare (To make someone ready and able to do something.)
|
qualify (To give someone the skills or status needed for a role or activity.)
|
fit (As a verb, means to make something suitable or ready for a purpose.)
Themes
health
|work
|cause_effect
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make someone or something not able or not right for a job or use.
To cause someone or something to become not suitable or not able for a particular use, job, or activity.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unfit
IPA
GB/ʌnfˈɪt/
US/ʌnfˈɪt/
Syllables & stress
un - fit (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fit)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unfit
Verb
- Base: unfit
- 3rd Person Singular: unfits
- Present Participle: unfitting
- Past: unfitted
Word family
Forms
unfits
verb
unfitting
verb
unfitted
verb
Negative and opposite forms
unfitness
noun
Related words
fitting
adjective B2
Highlights
- Irregular present participle: unfitting Verb
- Irregular past: unfitted Verb
Expressions
unfit for children
1/ʌnfˈɪt fɚ t͡ʃˈɪldɹən/
fixed phrase
not suitable for children
Too violent, sexual, or rude for children to see, read, or hear.
Examples
- Many parents think this video game is unfit for children.
- The teacher said the film was unfit for children and chose another one.
unfit for duty
1/ʌnfˈɪt fɚ dˈuti/
fixed phrase
not able to do official duty
Not able to do your official job, especially in the police or military, often because of health or behavior problems.
Examples
- The soldier was found unfit for duty after his injury.
- Officers who report to work drunk are considered unfit for duty.
unfit for human consumption
1/ʌnfˈɪt fɚ hjˈumən kənsˈʌmpʃən/
fixed phrase
not safe for people to eat
Not safe for people to eat or drink because it is dirty, spoiled, or dangerous.
Examples
- After the flood, all the tap water was declared unfit for human consumption.
- Tests showed that the fish were unfit for human consumption due to high levels of mercury.
unfit for purpose
1/ʌnfˈɪt fɚ pˈɚpəs/
fixed phrase
not suitable for intended purpose
Not good or strong enough to do the job it was made for.
Examples
- Customers complained that the software was unfit for purpose.
- The report concluded that the current system is unfit for purpose.
unfit for work
1/ʌnfˈɪt fɚ wˈɚk/
fixed phrase
not medically able to work
Not able to do your job because of illness or injury, as decided by a doctor or official.
Examples
- Her doctor signed a note saying she was unfit for work for ten days.
- He has been unfit for work since the operation.
unfit to hold office
1/ʌnfˈɪt tə hˈoʊld ˈɔfɪs/
fixed phrase
formal
not suitable to have public office
Not good or responsible enough to have an important public job, for example in government.
Examples
- The scandal convinced many voters that he was unfit to hold office.
- They argued that her behavior made her unfit to hold office.
unfit to stand trial
1/ʌnfˈɪt tə stˈænd tɹˈaɪl/
fixed phrase
formal
not mentally able for trial
Not mentally able to understand a court case or speak with a lawyer, so the person cannot have a trial.
Examples
- Psychiatrists found the defendant unfit to stand trial.
- If a person is unfit to stand trial, the case is usually delayed or handled in another way.