can't seem to

Idioms

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]

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.

See Examples For:

can't seem to

It seems that much of the Western world is waking up, roused by that sonorous noise that they just can’t seem to shake.

From Salon ● Sep. 21, 2026

It was a deceptively idyllic setting for what authorities say is continued lawbreaking and peril, which authorities just can’t seem to quash.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

The market for AI compute is hot right now and companies can’t seem to get enough.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 8, 2026

“I can’t seem to sit around in quiet contemplation anymore,” she confesses.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

I can’t seem to control my retorts around Hideo.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

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