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Showing results for unable.
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.

It’s been derided as unwieldy and ugly and unable to match other pickups in basic functionality.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

Caine said there are currently "22,500 mariners embarked on more than 1,550 commercial vessels trapped in the Arabian Gulf, unable to transit."

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

The government announced £7.3bn for local road maintenance for the next four years, along with rules which could see some funding upheld from those councils unable to prove they are fixing potholes.

From BBC • May 4, 2026

Many farmers are still waiting on loans, unable to lock in fertilizer prices before they spiked.

From MarketWatch • May 4, 2026

Penelope had always preferred early bedtimes, but in Plinkst she often found herself unable to sleep.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood