Definitions

not able

ADJECTIVE

unable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

helpless impotent inadequate incapable 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.

"I was not able to read small letters, I was not able to thread in a needle... now I can, to do all those things," she said.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

“There are so many routes of access right now that are not able to be stopped or regulated, at least not so far,” she said.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

It keeps working when I’m not able to.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

Crucially at the time I was not able to elicit acute psychotic symptoms.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

I’m not able to sleep, and the idea of doing nothing seems worse than the idea of something, no matter how far-fetched that something is.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

not able

Example Sentences

Related Words