ill-suited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ill-suited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or situation. Example: "The candidate was ill-suited for the role due to a lack of relevant experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

What about the rotten, ill-suited beds?

The New York Times - Sports

Brazil's institutions are ill-suited to this.

The Economist

But human biology is ill-suited for the modern world.

The Economist

Her abrasive style proved ill-suited to achieving consensus.

The Economist

His parents were ill-suited and soon parted.

The Economist

Regulations are ill-suited for transmission across state borders.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was also ill suited to follow the preceding pieces.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Paladino said they were mainstream politicians ill suited to the task of reforming state government.

The New York Times

Perhaps the storyteller is especially ill suited for happy family life.

The New Yorker

In practice, many domains are ill suited for goal setting".

Forbes

Current projects have low flexibility and, in many cases, are ill suited to handle uncertainties.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ill-suited", clearly specify what the subject is unsuited for. This provides context and avoids ambiguity. For example: "The candidate was ill-suited for the managerial role due to their lack of leadership experience."

Common error

While "ill-suited" is generally acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing, where simpler alternatives like "unsuitable" or "inappropriate" might sound more polished. Choose the word that best fits the overall tone and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill-suited" functions as a descriptive adjective, typically used to qualify a noun by indicating that it is not appropriate, fitting, or qualified for a specific role, task, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ill-suited" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that describes something as inappropriate or unfit for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally correct and usable in written English. It's particularly common in News & Media and Science contexts. While versatile, it is advisable to provide clear context when using the phrase to specify what the subject is unsuited for, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. While mostly used in neutral to formal register, one should consider simpler alternatives like "unsuitable" or "inappropriate" for overly formal writing. Overall, "ill-suited" is a reliable and effective way to express a mismatch or lack of compatibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsuitable

Focuses on the general lack of fitness for a purpose.

inappropriate

Highlights the lack of suitability based on context or norms.

unfit

Emphasizes a lack of the necessary qualities or skills.

incompatible

Stresses the inability to exist or function harmoniously.

mismatched

Suggests a poor pairing or combination.

unqualified

Indicates a lack of the necessary qualifications or experience.

inadequate

Highlights the insufficiency for a specific requirement.

not cut out for

Informal expression indicating a lack of inherent ability or temperament.

poorly matched

Similar to "mismatched", but emphasizes the deficiency in the combination.

out of place

Suggests a lack of belonging or appropriateness in a particular setting.

FAQs

How can I use "ill-suited" in a sentence?

Use "ill-suited" to describe something that is not appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or situation. For instance: "The technology was "ill-suited" for the task due to its limitations".

What are some alternatives to "ill-suited"?

You can use alternatives such as "unsuitable", "inappropriate", or "unfit" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "ill-suited for" or "ill-suited to"?

"Ill-suited for" and "ill-suited to" are often used interchangeably, but "ill-suited for" is generally more common. Both are grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "ill-suited" and "poorly suited"?

The phrases "ill-suited" and "poorly suited" are semantically similar and can often be used interchangeably to describe something as not being a good match for a particular purpose. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference.