Meaning & use
unmeet
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Meaning
adjectivenot comparablearchaicformal
Not suitable or not proper for a particular purpose, role, or situation.
Grammar: Used after a linking verb: The plan was unmeet for the task. It is not used before a noun in modern English.
Patterns
- unmeet for something
- unmeet to do something
The old king considered his younger son unmeet to rule the kingdom.
Such rough clothing was thought unmeet for a formal ceremony.
The committee judged the proposal unmeet for their purposes.
Common combinations
- unmeet for a purpose
- The tool was unmeet for a purpose that required precision.
- unmeet to rule
- In the story, the prince was declared unmeet to rule because of his youth.
- thought unmeet
- Her plain dress was thought unmeet for such a grand occasion.
- unmeet for the occasion
- His casual remarks were unmeet for the occasion.
Synonyms and how they differ
- unsuitable
- This is the normal modern word; 'unmeet' is archaic and sounds literary or historical.
- unfit
- Often suggests lacking the necessary qualities or health; 'unmeet' is more about being improper or not appropriate.
- inappropriate
- Focuses on being not right for a situation; 'unmeet' is much older and rarer.
Opposites
Commonly confused: unmeet or unmet? unmeet or unmete?
unmeet vs unmet
This means 'not achieved or not fulfilled', as in 'unmet needs'. It is completely different from 'unmeet', which means 'not suitable'.
unmeet vs unmete
Not a real English word. Do not confuse it with 'unmeet'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'unmeet' correctly in a historical context?
Choose one answer.
'Unmeet' is an adjective meaning 'not suitable', so it fits after a linking verb like 'felt' with 'to serve'. Option B uses it as a verb, which is wrong. Option C uses it to mean 'unhappy' or 'hungry', which is not its meaning. Option D invents an adverb 'unmeetly', which does not exist.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “unmeet”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.