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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.

The astronauts are unable to flush the wastewater into space.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

She described many of them as being from a working-class background, unable to find large sums of money at short notice.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

For several weeks, as more than 1,000 ships have been stranded in limbo and unable to pass through the strait, a few have managed to slip through by paying Iran a toll.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Exxon said it’s unable to comment on how long until the two trains return to normal.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

I duck my chin, unable to respond around the sourness that’s burning the back of my throat.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam