Definitions

unable

[uhn-ey-buhl] / ʌnˈeɪ bəl /

ADJECTIVE

not having talent, skill

Synonyms

STRONGEST

helpless impotent inadequate incapable not able powerless sidelined unfit weak

WEAK

can't cut it can't hack it can't make the grade clumsy hog-tied impuissant incapacitated incompetent ineffectual inefficacious inefficient inept inoperative no can do no good not cut out for not equal to not up to out of commission unfitted unqualified unskilled

Antonyms

STRONGEST

able capable competent fit potent qualified strong sufficient

WEAK

adequate skillful talented

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.

Unable to see what was happening from the operating table, Lauryn says: "I have moments of remembering things. A lot is a blur."

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Unable to ship petroleum and liquefied natural gas it had bought from the region, Vitol had to find replacements to send to customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Unable to depend on natural snowfall, about 80 percent of ski areas in the Southeast and Midwest, nearly 50 percent in the Northeast, and 10 percent in the West now rely on snowmaking.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

Unable to run tours into North Korea, he has been offering trips through border areas so customers can catch glimpses into the secretive state from a distance.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Unable to afford the suit's matching top, she's been reduced to waddling the streets much like two women fused together in some sort of cruel experiment.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

unable

Example Sentences

Related Words