unfit
UK: ʌnˈfɪt | US: ʌnˈfɪt
adj. not physically or mentally capable; unsuitable
vt. to make unsuitable or inadequate
unfit = un<not> + fit<suitable>
- un: A prefix of Germanic origin meaning "not," used to negate the following morpheme.
- fit: Derived from Middle English "fitten," meaning "to be suitable or proper," with roots in Old English and Proto-Germanic.
Etymology Origin:
The word "unfit" combines the negative prefix "un-" with "fit," creating a straightforward negation of suitability. "Fit" originally meant "to be proper or suitable" in Middle English, evolving from Old English "fitt" (a struggle or conflict, later generalized to "suitable"). The prefix "un-" has been a productive negator in English since its Germanic roots, making "unfit" a logical construction to describe lack of suitability or capability.
The doctor declared him unfit for heavy labor due to his back injury.
Poor ventilation makes this room unfit for long meetings.
Her lack of experience rendered her unfit for the leadership role.
The judge ruled the evidence unfit for trial.
Harsh weather conditions unfit the roads for safe travel.