Synonyms

unable

American

[uhn-ey-buhl] / ʌnˈeɪ bəl /

adjective

lacking the necessary power, competence, etc., to accomplish some specified act.

He was unable to swim.

unable British

/ ʌnˈeɪbəl /

adjective

lacking the necessary power, ability, or authority (to do something); not able
archaic incompetent

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See incapable.

Etymology

Origin of unable

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; un- ¹ + able

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.

Once data brokers delete your personal information and are unable to sell it, those businesses will rely only on the information you provide them.

From Los Angeles Times

Hundreds of passengers were stranded, with many unable to join connecting flights.

From BBC

The force said detectives were also "following up on other lines of enquiry" but were unable to go into detail to avoid hindering the investigation.

From BBC

Eurostar trains were unable to reach the Netherlands and Network Rail Scotland warned of "exceptionally deep snow" limiting the progress of snow ploughs.

From BBC

The 44-year-old had been unable to find other work after getting furloughed and her husband, also a government contractor, was hunting for a second job to pay the bills.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023