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Showing results for unable. Search instead for unable/2.
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.

If Smart is unable to return in Doncic’s absence, the Lakers could shift even more ball-handling responsibility to Reaves and LeBron James while relying on Bronny James as an additional guard off the bench.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Forensic analysis was unable to identify the author, but the force said the letter contained details it was "very keen to progress".

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

German researcher Wolfgang Kemmler, who has studied the benefits of whole-body EMS since the early 2010s, calls it an option for people who are “unfamiliar with, unmotivated for, or unable to undertake” conventional workouts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Citing low productivity, industrial decline and an ageing population, the institutes warned that Germany's economy would soon be unable to grow sustainably.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

“You’ve been unable to move on to the Afterlife for a reason. A very specific reason. In fact, it is the same reason I was kept here six years ago.”

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.