unable
Americanadjective
adjective
-
lacking the necessary power, ability, or authority (to do something); not able
-
archaic incompetent
Synonym Usage
See incapable.
Etymology
Origin of unable
Explanation
If you're unable to do something, you just can't do it. This isn't necessarily a bad thing! You may be unable to tell a lie, no matter how much you want to blame your brother for breaking that window. When we're unable, we're incapable. If you're unable to speak French, but you speak German fluently, you might choose to spend the summer in Berlin rather than Quebec City. And when your neighbor is unable to walk her dog during the day, you could volunteer to walk it after school. Being unable is either "lacking ability," or "lacking power."
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.
Caregiving responsibilities can undermine the future retirement security of caregivers if they are unable to save for retirement or add to their Social Security credits because they’ve stepped away from the workforce.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
So they’re unable to exercise the educational freedom politicians have touted.
From Salon ● Jul. 27, 2026
Around 2,000 people were still unable to return home in France's southeastern Var department because of the Ponteves wildfire, which authorities said was still "very active" after burning 4,000 hectares in five days.
From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026
I tried to contact Fhimah via his trial lawyer to put these allegations to him, but I was unable to reach him.
From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026
Friends provided Corrie a “retirement” house in Orange County, California, but of course, even bedridden and for the last five years unable to speak, Corrie never stopped witnessing to God’s love.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
