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.

She said they were unable to safely drink the flood water because they could be swept away and their main food source, worms, have been flattened or dried out by the rain.

From BBC

Alexandra said the man left very quickly, which meant she was unable to ask for any of his details.

From BBC

AFP was unable to access the location to verify the toll or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

From Barron's

Azi Adibi, 45, also in Atlanta, said she was worried about family in Iran, having been unable to reach her brother since "the internet got cut off."

From Barron's

After shooting 52% from the field in the first half, the Trojans were suddenly unable to find the target in the second.

From Los Angeles Times

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