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

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

He congratulated Jurado “on a well-fought campaign” and wished her “success in leading our district forward” — a stark contrast to the campaign, when he and his surrogates painted her as a dangerous socialist unfit for office.

From Los Angeles Times

Of that, approximately £1bn was spent on PPE that was deemed unfit for use, according to another NGO, Spotlight on Corruption.

From BBC

But in blue states and cities across the country, there are no insurrections or even talk of any; there is depression and resignation over the fact that an undeniable majority of voters chose a candidate they view as morally unfit for office.

From Salon

Related Words

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