Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

unable

[uhn-ay-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.

See Examples For:

Even still, Huang has been unable to head off a deepening scandal involving an affair with a suspected Chinese intelligence source that has now prompted Nvidia’s board to make preparations for his ouster.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 12, 2026

According to former captain Michael Clarke, further inaction would leave supporters unable to "trust what's real".

From BBC ● Nov. 10, 2026

But in mid-July, Jackie was found weak, disheveled and unable to fly on the north shore of the lake after a scuffle with two younger eagles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 10, 2026

The Labor Department was unable to translate the figures into a year-over-year number because there was no report in October 2025 due to a government shutdown.

From Barron's ● Nov. 10, 2026

Because of her speed and her direction changes, forecasters were simply unable to predict where she would make landfall.

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word
Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember new words for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com