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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.

One of them is unable to muster a genuine-looking smile and the other looks rightly embarrassed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Many relatives were unable to get into the courtroom in the central town of Larisa last week, and the situation was little different when it resumed on Wednesday.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The assumption here is that existing computers are unable to reverse-engineer a private key from a public key.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

There’s also a risk of a higher rate of elder poverty if people are unable to save what’s required, he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 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

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