unfit

[ uhn-fit ]

adjective

1. not fit; not adapted or suited; unsuitable:

   He was unfit for his office.

   Synonyms: unapt, inappropriate

2. unqualified or incompetent.

   Synonyms: incapable

3. not physically fit or in due condition.
4. Biology. pertaining to an organism or population that is not adapted to prevailing conditions or is not producing offspring in sufficient numbers to maintain its contribution to the gene pool of the next generation.

verb (used with object)

1. to render unfit or unsuitable; disqualify.

unfit

/ ʌnˈfɪt /

adjective

1. postpositiveoften foll byfor unqualified, incapable, or incompetent

   unfit for military service

2. postpositiveoften foll byfor unsuitable or inappropriate

   the ground was unfit for football

3. in poor physical condition

Derived Forms

• unˈfitness, noun

Other Words From

• un·fitness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unfit¹

First recorded in 1535–45; un- ¹ + fit ¹

Example Sentences

More than 400 of his classmates at William & Mary Law School signed a petition declaring him “unfit to write or determine the law.”

From Los Angeles Times

It represents a failure of the Republican Party to filter out candidates who are egregiously unfit for office.

From Salon

The goal here seems to be finding people who are uniquely unfit for these jobs, both to rile up liberals and to flush out any Republicans with remaining loyalties to the concept of responsible governance.

From Salon

Many of Trump’s former staff members who have worked closest with him have warned that he is unfit for office and a grave threat to our democracy.

From Los Angeles Times

The eggs then hatch into maggots, which tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ill-equipped
• impotent
• inadequate
• incapable
• ineligible
• unable
• unprepared
• unqualified
• useless