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.

See Examples For:

unable

Police contacted the woman’s cellphone carrier two days later to ping her phone, but the company was unable to provide any information on the location of Brophy’s device.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

Rail operator Southern said trains are unable to run through the area and major disruption is expected to continue until further notice.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

Perched on the upended boat, he watched as passengers struggled to survive, unable to save them.

From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026

He says he is now unable to open a bank account, qualify for loans or rent a home.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

We stood there on that bleak hillside, quite unable to take our eyes off the huge fireball that was rising now over the city.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

unable

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words