adj.
- Not meant or adapted for a given purpose; inappropriate: a solvent that is unfit for use on wood surfaces.
- Below the required standard; unqualified: an unfit parent.
- Not in good physical or mental health.
- Biology. Unable to survive or produce viable offspring in a particular environment.
To cause to be unsuited or unqualified: "Having run for president . . . often unfits a man for lesser or more useful subsequent work" (Garry Wills).
unfitly un·fit'ly adv.
unfitness un·fit'ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
