ill-matched
|ill-matched|
/ˌɪlˈmætʃt/
badly paired / poorly suited
Etymology
'ill-matched' is formed from the prefix 'ill-' (meaning 'bad' or 'not') plus 'matched', the past participle/adjective form of 'match'.
'ill-' comes from Old English elements meaning 'bad' (ultimately related to Old English 'yfel' > Middle English 'ill'), while 'match' as a noun/verb comes from Old English words for 'mate' or 'companion' (e.g. Old English 'mæcca'/'gemæcca'), evolving through Middle English 'matche' to modern 'match'. The compound 'ill-matched' developed in post-medieval English by combining these elements to mean 'badly matched'.
Initially the parts meant 'bad' + 'paired/companion'; over time the compound has retained that literal sense and is used to describe pairs or combinations that are poorly suited or incongruous.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
poorly matched or unsuited to each other, especially in qualities, abilities, or character (often about people or teams).
They were an ill-matched couple; their interests and temperaments clashed constantly.
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Adjective 2
not well matched in size, style, or appearance; incongruous.
The ill-matched curtains and upholstery made the room look chaotic.
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Last updated: 2025/08/18 07:12