can't seem to

Idioms  

1. Be apparently unable to, as in No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to concentrate on this book. This phrase gives added emphasis to a negative statement, as in the example. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

can't seem to

And there's a sense of injustice that Australia can't seem to escape the scandal, given - according to many players themselves - how common boundary-bending on ball tampering apparently was in that era.

From BBC ● Nov. 13, 2026

“The city can’t seem to manage the basics,” Bass’ challenger, City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, said when she announced her campaign in February.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026

Jesse Watters can’t seem to stop admiring Dr. Abdul El-Sayed.

From Salon ● Oct. 19, 2026

What I can’t seem to afford is saying “no” to my children.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 8, 2026

I can’t seem to hear him fully even though he’s standing right in front of me.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

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