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

Nvidia just can’t seem to impress the market any more.

From Barron's

It’s no shock that fans can’t seem to let it go, even 23 years after its series finale.

From Salon

Despite having no memory of the incident, Jackson joins three other outraged, queer men like him in switching identities to seek out and confront their abusers, who can’t seem to tell them apart.

From Los Angeles Times

“I—I can’t seem to read any of them.”

From Literature

BEIJING—The U.S. can’t seem to focus on China.

From The Wall Street Journal