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.

"Lupus at its worst was in bed, unable to move, going downhill rapidly, possibly dying…now I'm living," she told me.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

It said it was unable to produce forecasts for Iran, Lebanon or Syria due to high levels of uncertainty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Dissatisfaction is building in L.A. as the city’s cost of living mounts and a new generation of young Angelenos are unable to buy homes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

In other words, the systems appeared unable to consistently suppress the response they had been most heavily trained to produce.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

Broca is still unable to study a living brain, but he has been performing autopsies on the brains of stroke victims.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman

unable

Example Sentences

Related Words