Synonyms

unable

American

[uhn-ey-buhl] / ʌnˈeɪ bəl /

adjective

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

He was unable to swim.

unable British

/ ʌnˈeɪbəl /

adjective

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See incapable.

Etymology

Origin of unable

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

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.

They were unable to confirm how the fuel entered the river, and if the leak had been contained.

From BBC

"In the Republic, no violence is legitimate," said Macron, who will be unable to contest next year's election after hitting the two-term limit.

From Barron's

The ECB has been unable to substantiate the BBC allegations, but former England captain Vaughan called for the governing body to investigate the issue thoroughly.

From Barron's

Living in Devon she is unable to practice with snow but, as a stone sculptor by trade, she said carving both was a similar practice.

From BBC

Like others I have spoken to, he says he initially enjoyed the compulsion but now feels trapped - unable to tell his doctor, or even his wife, as she also attends his appointments.

From BBC

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