Ill-suited

Describing someone or something that is not appropriate, fitting, or well-matched for a particular role, purpose, situation, or person. This lack of suitability can stem from a variety of factors, including personality, skills, temperament, size, or even cultural background. The term emphasizes a fundamental mismatch or incompatibility, suggesting that the subject would be better off in a different context. It often implies potential failure, discomfort, or even harm if the unsuitable item or person is forced into the specific role or circumstance. A person might be ill-suited for a physical job. It points to the need for reevaluation.

Ill-suited meaning with examples

• Despite his impressive resume, the candidate was quickly deemed ill-suited for the demanding position. His laid-back personality clashed with the high-pressure environment and urgent tasks, making him unsuitable for the job's required drive. The interviewers noticed a clear mismatch between his communication style and team dynamics.
• The delicate floral wallpaper proved to be ill-suited for the family's rowdy living room. Its fragility made it vulnerable to children and pets. Frequent damage resulted in costly repairs. The design was inappropriate for the room's active use and required a more resilient and washable style.
• The small, cramped car was ill-suited for the family's long road trip, with insufficient space. Luggage and children were crammed. The long journey caused much discomfort. A larger vehicle would have been much better for the required tasks and provided greater comfort.
• Her naturally quiet and reserved demeanor made her ill-suited for a career as a public speaker. Though capable, her shyness made audience engagement very difficult. Her nerves took over during presentations and her lack of audience interaction caused low satisfaction.
• The company's traditional business model became ill-suited for the rapidly changing digital landscape. The old infrastructure was outdated, the processes inefficient, and the team needed more digital skills. Their lack of adaptation could lead to their failure.