Definitions

ill-equipped

[il-i-kwipt] / ˈɪl ɪˈkwɪpt /

ADJECTIVE

unfit

Synonyms

STRONGEST

impotent inadequate incapable ineligible unable unprepared unqualified useless

STRONG

blundering bungling debilitated disqualified incapacitated unfitted

WEAK

amateur awkward bush league butter-fingered clumsy feeble heavy-handed incompetent ineffective inefficient inept inexperienced inexpert maladjusted maladroit no good not cut out for not equal to not up to unapt unhandy unpracticed unproficient unskilled unskillful untrained weak

Antonyms

WEAK

appropriate fit ready

ADJECTIVE

unfit

Synonyms

STRONGEST

inadequate inappropriate unhealthy unlikely unsuitable unsuited useless

STRONG

debilitated down dragging mistaken

WEAK

below par can't make the grade decrepit discordant feeble flimsy ill-adapted ill-suited improper inapplicable incompatible incongruous incorrect ineffective inexpedient infelicitous inharmonious laid low not fit out of element out of place out of shape poorly rocky unbecoming uncongenial uncool unmeet unpromising valueless

Antonyms

STRONGEST

appropriate proper suitable

WEAK

able fit qualified willing

ADJECTIVE

unqualified

Synonyms

STRONGEST

inadequate incapable ineligible inexperienced unfit unprepared unskilled

WEAK

amateur bush bush-league disqualified not equal to not up to unequipped unfitted

Antonyms

STRONGEST

able competent qualified suitable

WEAK

conditional indefinite prepared ready temporary tentative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When Indian defendants were charged with such crimes, jurisdiction shifted to federal or tribal prosecutors, both ill equipped to shoulder the load.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Our systems are ill equipped to address the damage being done.

From Slate • Jan. 29, 2026

He was forced out because fans and board had delusions of grandeur after Moyes won the club silverware and now it's a relegation battle the club look ill equipped for.

From BBC • Jan. 3, 2026

“Kristie wanted to be a mother, but she wasn’t honest with herself that she was very ill equipped to be a mother,” Collins said.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 14, 2023

True, they were ill fed and ill equipped, suffering from low morale and yearning to return home to their families and farms in time for spring planting.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

ill-equipped

Example Sentences

Related Words