unable

[uhn-ey-buhl]

adjective

1. lacking the necessary power, competence, etc., to accomplish some specified act.

   He was unable to swim.

unable

/ ʌnˈeɪbəl /

adjective

1. lacking the necessary power, ability, or authority (to do something); not able

2. archaic,  incompetent

Word History and Origins

Origin of unable¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; un- ¹ + able

Synonym Study

See incapable.

Example Sentences

A representative for Fong said his office was dealing with issues related to the U.S. government shutdown and so was unable to comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Ferries and trains have been cancelled and bridges shut, and a ferry sailing from Dublin to Holyhead has spent hours circling offshore as it is unable to berth.

From BBC

Officials have been unable to identify where the drones originated or who operated them.

From BBC

VCL denied that it was running a scam, saying those affected were unable to accept that they were not entitled to a refund.

From BBC

Television is not the only place where Swift has been unable to stop gushing about her fiancé.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• helpless 
• impotent 
• inadequate 
• incapable 
• not able 
• powerless 
• sidelined www.thesaurus.com
• unfit 
• weak