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Prepositions after adjectives

How to use “unfit” with prepositions

Unfit is usually followed by for to describe something a person or thing is not suitable or healthy enough for.

Quick answer

Use “unfit for” in most cases

The standard pattern is unfit for + activity, purpose, or role. Unfit to is also common before a verb. Unfit by, unfit as, and unfit at are generally not used as complements after unfit.

He is unfit for military service.
The water was declared unfit for drinking.
She was unfit to drive home.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
unfit for + purpose/activity

Showing lack of suitability

Use this pattern for activities, jobs, conditions, or purposes.

The food is unfit for human consumption.
He felt unfit for the role.
2
unfit to + verb

Showing inability to do something

Use unfit to before an infinitive verb.

She was unfit to compete.
The patient is unfit to travel.
3
unfit at + place/time

Using at separately from unfit

At can introduce a location or time expression, not the complement of unfit.

He was declared unfit at the clinic yesterday.
The athlete looked unfit at the start of the season.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
unfit for
The machine is unfit for use.
Standard pattern for lack of suitability.
unfit to
She is unfit to work today.
Used before a verb to show inability or unsuitability.
unfit by
They considered him unfit by experience.
Not a standard complement after unfit.
unfit as
He was unfit as a leader.
Possible in limited contexts, but unfit for the role is more natural.
unfit at
She looked unfit at practice.
At introduces place or context, not the complement of unfit.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using by after unfit

By is not normally used directly after unfit.

✕ She is unfit by the task. ✓ She is unfit for the task.

Forgetting the infinitive

Use to before a verb.

✕ He is unfit drive. ✓ He is unfit to drive.

Using as instead of for

For is more natural for roles and purposes.

✕ She is unfit as the position. ✓ She is unfit for the position.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The water is ___ drinking.
2. He was declared ___ travel.
3. Which sentence is most natural?

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Frequently asked questions

Can “unfit” be followed by a verb?

Yes. Use unfit to plus a base verb, such as unfit to work.

Is “unfit as” wrong?

It is less natural in most contexts. English usually prefers unfit for.

Can “unfit at” describe ability?

No. At usually introduces a place or situation, not the complement after unfit.

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