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.

“It’s a proof point of something more fundamental which is wrong in the general economy—that people are not able to buy new cars.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

"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

"People are probably subsisting on 1,000 or 1,500 calories a day, and are not able to get basic healthcare," he said.

From BBC • May 21, 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

Not only am I giving him relationship advice, but it’s totally hypocritical because it’s advice I’m dishing out but totally not able to take.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

not able

Example Sentences

Related Words