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

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

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 8, 2026

The Vances, however, can’t seem to shake off suspicions that they loathe each other, no matter how many smiles they flash at the camera.

From Salon ● Jul. 29, 2026

But family alone can’t seem to do much to mitigate, let alone cure, mental illness or the impact of childhood trauma.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026

Since then local posters can’t seem to get enough.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 26, 2026

And I feel kinda dumb about it—it’s just an old book—but I also can’t seem to let it go.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone