What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incongruous
Example
The bright pink dress looked incongruous at the funeral. [incongruous: adjective]
Example
His behavior was incongruous with his usual reserved demeanor. [incongruous: adjective]
unsuitable
Example
The shoes were unsuitable for hiking because they had no traction. [unsuitable: adjective]
Example
The candidate was deemed unsuitable for the job due to lack of experience. [unsuitable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unsuitable is more commonly used than incongruous in everyday language. Unsuitable is a more straightforward term that is easy to understand and use in a variety of contexts, while incongruous is a less common term that may require more explanation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incongruous and unsuitable?
Both incongruous and unsuitable are formal words that are typically used in more serious or professional contexts. However, unsuitable is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while incongruous is less common and may be seen as more academic or technical.
