is not fit for purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not fit for purpose" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that fails to meet required standards. For example, "This laptop is not fit for purpose since the battery does not hold a charge for more than a few hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is this a calculated risk, I wondered, to show again that the law is "not fit for purpose"?

The Guardian - Opinion

"Our system is not fit for purpose.

The Guardian

The current system is not fit for purpose".

The Guardian

You've said Britain's democratic system is not fit for purpose.

The Guardian

Our electoral system is not fit for purpose.

The Guardian - Opinion

In political parlance, Westminster is not fit for purpose.

The Guardian

"The equalities policy is not fit for purpose".

The Guardian

The law in this area is not fit for purpose".

The Guardian

CDP's basic structure is not fit for purpose.

The Guardian - Opinion

Second, the curriculum is not fit for purpose.

The Guardian

The regulation is not fit for purpose," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not fit for purpose", clearly specify what purpose is not being met to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The current software is not fit for purpose for handling large datasets."

Common error

While "is not fit for purpose" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language like "inadequate" or "unsuitable" to enhance clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not fit for purpose" functions as a predicative expression, describing the state or condition of a subject. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates that something fails to meet the required standards. It is commonly used to assess the suitability or effectiveness of a system, policy, or object.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not fit for purpose" is a commonly used expression to denote that something fails to meet the required standards or is inadequate for its intended function. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely understood, spanning across various contexts from news and media to formal business settings. Its neutral register and frequency in authoritative sources like The Guardian and BBC underscore its reliability. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the unmet purpose to ensure clarity. For situations demanding a more formal tone, alternatives such as "is inadequate" or "fails to meet requirements" can be considered. Overall, "is not fit for purpose" is a versatile and effective way to critique or reject something by highlighting its inadequacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not good enough

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing inadequacy.

is unsuitable

Highlights the inappropriateness of something for a particular use.

is not appropriate

Similar to unsuitable, but can also refer to social contexts.

fails to meet requirements

Highlights the failure to satisfy necessary criteria.

is inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency or deficiency of something.

is not up to par

Indicates that something does not meet the required standard or expectation.

is deficient

Emphasizes the lack of essential qualities or elements.

is not designed for

Focuses on the original intention and design limitations.

is ill-equipped

Indicates a lack of necessary tools or resources.

doesn't cut it

An informal way to say something is not sufficient or effective.

FAQs

How can I use "is not fit for purpose" in a sentence?

Use "is not fit for purpose" to describe something that does not adequately fulfill its intended function or meet the required standards. For instance, "The old bridge "is not fit for purpose" for modern traffic demands".

What's a more formal alternative to "is not fit for purpose"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "is inadequate", "is unsuitable", or "fails to meet requirements". These options provide a more refined tone while conveying the same meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "is not fit for purpose"?

"Is not fit for purpose" is appropriate when you want to express that something is not suitable or effective for its intended use. It can be used in various contexts, from discussing policies to evaluating equipment, as long as the context is clear.

What's the difference between "is not fit for purpose" and "is broken"?

"Is broken" implies that something is damaged and not functioning correctly. "Is not fit for purpose", on the other hand, means that something may be functioning but still does not adequately meet the requirements or expectations for its intended use. For example, a tool may not be broken, but "is inadequate" for a particular task.