Crossword Genius

Inappropriate fine accepted by one (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

unfit

'inappropriate' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'fine accepted by one' is the wordplay.
'fine' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'accepted by' is an insertion indicator.
'one' becomes 'unit' ('unit' can be a synonym of 'one').
'f' placed into 'unit' is 'UNFIT'.

(Other definitions for unfit that I've seen before include "Ill - out of shape" , "In poor condition" , "Incapable" , "Not prepared" , "Not in good physical condition, or not suitable" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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