unideal

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ʌnˈaɪdəl//

KK: /ʌnˈaɪdəl/

adjective

Definition

Not the best or most suitable; less than perfect.

Example

The weather conditions for the picnic were unideal, with rain and strong winds.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Comparative: more unideal

Superlative: most unideal

Conversation

I heard you got a new job, how is it going?

It's okay, but the hours are a bit unideal for me.

That sounds tough! What hours are you working?

I start really early in the morning, which is hard to adjust to.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

suboptimal

imperfect

flawed

Antonyms

ideal

perfect

optimal

Root Explanation

Unideal → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "ideal" (from Greek "idealis", meaning pertaining to an idea or standard of perfection). The word "unideal" means not conforming to an ideal or standard of perfection.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'ideal', which helps you remember that 'unideal' refers to something that does not meet the standard of perfection.

Visually Confused Words

untidal

undealt

nidal