unfits

“Unfits” is the third-person singular present tense of the verb “unfit,” most often meaning “to make unsuitable or unfit for a particular purpose.” It usually takes an object: an injury can unfit someone for a role, while a change in circumstances can unfit an arrangement or plan. The less common intransitive use means “to be unsuitable” or “not to fit,” especially in older or more formal English. In contemporary usage, the transitive sense is much more productive and is closely related to expressions such as “renders unsuitable” and “disqualifies from.” The verb generally has a neutral tone, although contexts involving eligibility, fitness, or capability can sound formal or institutional. Because “unfits” is an inflected form rather than a distinct lexical item, it appears wherever the present tense of “unfit” is needed, but readers encounter it less often than the base verb. It is useful for stating concisely that a person, thing, or arrangement no longer meets the required conditions.

To make someone or something unfit or unsuitable for a purpose; less commonly, to be unsuitable or not fit.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does unfits come from?

The English verb “unfit” was formed by combining the negative prefix “un-” with the older word “fit,” meaning “suitable” or “well matched.” In early usage, “unfit” could mean “not fitting” or “not suited”; it later developed the transitive sense “to make unsuitable.” Its formation connects it with words such as “fit,” “fitted,” “fitting,” and “fitness,” which trace to Old English “fitt,” meaning “well suited.”

Related word forms

How unfits is actually used

The transitive sense is the usual modern use and normally takes an object. The intransitive sense, meaning “to be unsuitable” or “not to fit,” is much less common and sounds formal or dated.

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Words and phrases paired with unfits

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Rhymes with unfits