unsuitable
gb/ʌnsˈutəbəl/ us/ʌnsˈutəbəl/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
not right for a purpose
not good or not right for something
Usage pattern:
unsuitable for [something/someone]; unsuitable as [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "unsuitable to" where modern English usually prefers "unsuitable for" (e.g., "unsuitable for children").
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.)
Collocations
unsuitable for
|unsuitable for the job
|unsuitable conditions
|unsuitable weather
|unsuitable clothing
|unsuitable location
|unsuitable candidate
|unsuitable materials
|highly unsuitable
|completely unsuitable
Themes
daily_life
|work
|education
|shopping
Examples
- These shoes are unsuitable for hiking because they have no grip.
- The room was too noisy, so it was unsuitable for an exam.
- He realized he was unsuitable for the role and withdrew his application.
Learner examples
- This place is unsuitable for children.
- The jacket is unsuitable for cold weather.
adjective
B2
property
2
improper or not allowed
not acceptable because it is not appropriate
Usage pattern:
unsuitable for [audience/setting]
Common mistake:
Don’t use it to mean only “uncomfortable”; "unsuitable" is about being the wrong choice or not acceptable.
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.)
Collocations
unsuitable language
|unsuitable content
|unsuitable material
|unsuitable for children
|unsuitable for viewers
|unsuitable remarks
|unsuitable behaviour
|unsuitable jokes
|deemed unsuitable
|considered unsuitable
Themes
social
|media
|parenting
|education
Examples
- The teacher said the joke was unsuitable for the classroom.
- Some scenes are unsuitable for younger viewers.
- His comments were deemed unsuitable for publication.
Learner examples
- That movie is unsuitable for kids.
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.
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.
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.