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.

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unable

More than 80,000 people were unable to leave their homes in the capital due to flooding, the interior ministry said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026

Those who are unable to transfer will receive severance support, Starbucks said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2026

She wondered why he had stopped listening, had become unreliable, was unable to get a job and had been diagnosed with depression.

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026

But a scandal erupted last week when several companies admitted they were unable to satisfy investor redemption demands, sending Istanbul's main stock exchange tumbling.

From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026

I paced away from Regan and then paced back, unable to stand still.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

unable

Example Sentences

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