How to say "unsuitable" in Japanese

• 不向きふむきCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'unsuitable' in the sense of being unfit for a purpose, job, or role: the person, thing, or place is simply not cut out for it. Often describes aptitude or fitness rather than propriety.
  彼女かのじょはその仕事しごとに不向ふむきだ。↗

  She isn't adequate to the task.
• 不適切ふてきせつCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'unsuitable' as inappropriate or improper: remarks, handling, or behavior that is out of place or badly judged. The natural choice when what is unsuitable should really have been done differently.
  その計画けいかくはいくつかの点てんで不適切ふてきせつなものであると思おもう。↗

  I find the plan to be unsatisfactory in several ways.
• 不似合いふにあいCommon
  na-adjective, nounMatches 'unsuitable' mainly through the senses unbecoming and ill-matched: clothing, style, or a pairing that does not suit someone's appearance or character. For general unsuitability it is seldom the word you want.
  この大おおきなソファーは小ちいさな部屋へやには不ふ似合にあいだろう。↗

  This large sofa would be out of place in a small room.

Use 「不向き」 for things or people unsuited to a task or role, 不適切 for what is inappropriate or improper in conduct or judgment, and 「不似合い」 mainly for ill-matched or unbecoming appearance.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 不向きふむきunfit
• 不適切ふてきせつunsuitable
• 不似合いふにあいunbecoming
• そぐわないunsuitable
• 年甲斐も無いとしがいもないunbecoming
• 思わしくないおもわしくないdisappointing
• おかしいwrong
• おかしなwrong