unsuitable
gb/ʌnsˈutəbəl/ us/ʌnsˈutəbəl/
B2
English
nem alkalmas, alkalmatlan, nem való
B2
1
nem alkalmas
B1
alkalmatlan
B2
Usage pattern:
unsuitable for [something/someone]; unsuitable as [something]
These shoes are unsuitable for hiking because they have no grip.
Ezek a cipők nem alkalmasak túrázáshoz, mert nincs jó tapadásuk.
The room was too noisy, so it was unsuitable for an exam.
A terem túl zajos volt, ezért nem volt alkalmas vizsgára.
He realized he was unsuitable for the role and withdrew his application.
Learner examples
This place is unsuitable for children.
Ez a hely nem alkalmas gyerekek számára.
The jacket is unsuitable for cold weather.
Ez a kabát nem alkalmas hideg időre.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "unsuitable to" where modern English usually prefers "unsuitable for" (e.g., "unsuitable for children").
Meaning
not right for a purpose
Collocations
unsuitable for
|unsuitable for the job
|unsuitable conditions
|unsuitable weather
|unsuitable clothing
|unsuitable location
|unsuitable candidate
|unsuitable materials
|highly unsuitable
|completely unsuitable
Synonyms
inappropriate (More general; can be about social behavior as well as practicality.)
|
ill-suited (Emphasizes a poor match.)
|
unfit (Often stronger; suggests failing to meet a required standard.)
Antonyms
suitable (Right or fit for a particular purpose or situation.)
|
appropriate (Right for the context, often socially as well as practically.)
Themes
daily_life
|work
|education
|shopping
Definition
not good or not right for something
Not appropriate or not fit for a particular purpose, person, situation, or set of conditions.
B2
2
nem való
B1
Usage pattern:
unsuitable for [audience/setting]
The teacher said the joke was unsuitable for the classroom.
A tanár azt mondta, hogy ez a vicc nem az osztályterembe való.
Some scenes are unsuitable for younger viewers.
Néhány jelenet nem való fiatalabb nézőknek.
His comments were deemed unsuitable for publication.
Learner examples
That movie is unsuitable for kids.
Az a film nem való gyerekeknek.
Common mistake:
Don’t use it to mean only “uncomfortable”; "unsuitable" is about being the wrong choice or not acceptable.
Meaning
improper or not allowed
Collocations
unsuitable language
|unsuitable content
|unsuitable material
|unsuitable for children
|unsuitable for viewers
|unsuitable remarks
|unsuitable behaviour
|unsuitable jokes
|deemed unsuitable
|considered unsuitable
Synonyms
improper (Stronger moral/social judgment.)
|
inappropriate (Very common; can be softer and broader.)
|
unacceptable (Focuses on not meeting rules/standards rather than taste.)
Antonyms
acceptable (Allowed and considered okay by rules or social standards.)
|
appropriate (Suitable for the audience or setting.)
Themes
social
|media
|parenting
|education
Definition
not acceptable because it is not appropriate
Not acceptable because it is improper, offensive, or against rules or standards (often said of language, content, or behavior).
Grammar
Dictionary form
unsuitable
IPA
GB/ʌnsˈutəbəl/
US/ʌnsˈutəbəl/
Syllables & stress
un - suit - able (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (suit)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: unsuitable
Expressions
unsuitable for children
1/ʌnsˈutəbəl fɚ t͡ʃˈɪldɹən/
fixed phrase
not appropriate for kids
not okay for children
Examples
- The game contains violence and is unsuitable for children.
- Some of the language in the book is unsuitable for children.
Learner examples
- This film is unsuitable for children.
unsuitable for human consumption
1/ʌnsˈutəbəl fɚ hjˈumən kənsˈʌmpʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
not safe to eat or drink
not safe for people to eat
Examples
- Tests showed the water was unsuitable for human consumption.
- The meat had spoiled and was clearly unsuitable for human consumption.
unsuitable for purpose
1/ʌnsˈutəbəl fɚ pˈɚpəs/
fixed phrase
formal
not fit for intended use
not good enough for what it should do
Examples
- The report was unsuitable for purpose and had to be rewritten.
- After one wash, the fabric shrank so much that it was unsuitable for purpose.
Learner examples
- This tool is unsuitable for purpose.
unsuitable for work
1/ʌnsˈutəbəl fɚ wˈɚk/
fixed phrase
not appropriate at work
not okay to wear or do at work
Examples
- The slogan on his T-shirt was unsuitable for work.
- She changed into a more formal dress because her outfit felt unsuitable for work.
Learner examples
- These shorts are unsuitable for work.