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.

AFP was unable to independently verify a toll.

From Barron's

Mice with disrupted replay performed worse in the maze, frequently revisiting paths they had already explored and appearing unable to remember where they had been.

From Science Daily

Surgery in a Gaza hospital to insert a metal plate into her thigh was unsuccessful and left her unable to walk.

From The Wall Street Journal

"However, despite repeated efforts, it became evident in recent days that we were unable to build engagement with Israeli authorities on the concrete assurances required," it said.

From BBC

He gamely saved four set points at 3-5 but with his energy levels dropping was unable to save a fifth as the Spaniard took control.

From Barron's

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