unsuitable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'unsuitable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something or someone that is not suitable for a specific purpose or situation. For example, "This advice is not suitable for the current situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Finsbury Park was entirely unsuitable compared with King's Cross but there was nothing else we could do.

The Guardian - Business

Ofcom investigated whether the item, which aired on 3 February, was unsuitable for broadcast before the 9pm watershed.

The Guardian

Paediatrics Backed by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and UNHCR, the doctors view detention as "unsuitable for children and a contravention of human rights".

The Guardian

Disabilities "Christmas Island immigration detention centre is unsuitable for any person living with significant intellectual or physical disability.

The Guardian

It seemed like a highly unsuitable subject for Tarantino's brash and bloodythirsty B-movie bombast, and a vocal minority of critics couldn't quite get their heads around what the film-maker was up to, even after seeing the final movie.

The Guardian - Film

Network Rail bosses have defended the decision to send thousands of passengers to an "entirely unsuitable" station after overrunning Christmas engineering works caused King's Cross station to be closed.

The Guardian - Business

The ownership and control of clubs, including "preventing unsuitable owners/management from being involved in the game".

The Guardian - Sport

Even so, it looks very well done, with easy browsing, and the same 'friends-as-wingmen' theory as the site, including the ability for friends to veto unsuitable matches.

The Guardian - Tech

The regulator said it was "violent and shocking" and unsuitable for pre-watershed viewing.

The Guardian

"The demonstrators were unable to enter PSG at all and the only area they could assemble in was the small, clearly unsuitable area in front of the Supreme Court, which is the opposite side of the Square from Parliament and is of limited visibility to passers-by," says the letter from Liberty.

The Guardian

A: If you see an avatar which you think infringes copyright or is otherwise unsuitable, but which may have slipped through, you can alert the moderation team by clicking the "report abuse" link on each user's profile (which you can get to by clicking on their username link).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unsuitable", clearly specify what the subject is unsuitable for. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "unsuitable" is generally acceptable, consider more precise alternatives like "inappropriate", "unqualified", or "ineligible" in formal writing for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "unsuitable" functions to describe a noun as not fitting, appropriate, or qualified for a specific purpose or context. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies nouns such as 'station', 'subject', and 'owners', indicating a lack of fitness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unsuitable" is a versatile adjective used to describe something as not fitting or appropriate for a particular purpose or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in news, business, and scientific contexts. While generally neutral, its formality can vary. When writing, ensure you clearly specify what the subject is "unsuitable" for to avoid ambiguity. Consider more precise alternatives like "inappropriate" or "unqualified" in formal settings for greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Inappropriate

Focuses more on the lack of fittingness within a specific context or situation.

Not appropriate

Directly states that something does not align with expected norms or standards.

Not suited

Emphasizes a lack of inherent compatibility or natural disposition.

Unfit

Highlights a lack of the necessary qualities or conditions to be suitable.

Ill-suited

Similar to 'not suited' but carries a slightly stronger connotation of unsuitability.

Inapt

Emphasizes the lack of skill or competence making something unsuitable.

Not the right fit

Suggests a lack of compatibility or alignment, often in a less formal context.

Unqualified

Specifically denotes the absence of necessary qualifications or credentials.

Out of place

Highlights the lack of harmony or congruity with the surroundings or situation.

Ineligible

Indicates that someone or something does not meet the requirements to be suitable, often legally or formally.

FAQs

How to use "unsuitable" in a sentence?

Use "unsuitable" to describe something that is not appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or situation. For example, "The location was "unsuitable" for the event."

What can I say instead of "unsuitable"?

You can use alternatives like "inappropriate", "unfit", or "inapt" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "unsuitable" or "unsuited"?

"Unsuitable" generally means not appropriate or fitting, while "unsuited" means not having the necessary qualities or personality for something. They are similar but not always interchangeable.

What's the difference between "unsuitable" and "inappropriate"?

"Unsuitable" means not right or appropriate for a particular purpose or occasion, while "inappropriate" means not suitable for a particular situation or use, often implying a violation of norms or expectations. "Inappropriate" often carries a stronger connotation of being offensive or improper.