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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.

They sold out so quickly that Reese’s mother posted on social media that even she was unable to snag one in time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

This means most Iranians are unable to reach international websites and social media, with only homegrown services such as for banking, shopping and ride hailing still accessible.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Georgia, 16, is taking GCSEs and was also unable to get on with coursework due to the problems signing in online.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

An October 2024 launch party with Will Smith and Alicia Keys proved premature, as rushed work left hotels riddled with construction problems and unable to open without hundreds of millions of dollars of fixes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

His biggest positions were with Goldman, and Goldman was newly unable, or unwilling, to determine the value of those positions, and so could not say how much collateral should be shifted back and forth.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis