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.

Unable to depend on natural snowfall, about 80 percent of ski areas in the Southeast and Midwest, nearly 50 percent in the Northeast, and 10 percent in the West now rely on snowmaking.

From Slate • Apr. 11, 2026

Unable to run tours into North Korea, he has been offering trips through border areas so customers can catch glimpses into the secretive state from a distance.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Unable to afford bus fares on top of everything else, she cycles to and from the Overground as part of her daily commute.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Unable to participate in this year’s WBC as he recovers from left elbow surgery, Kiké Hernández left Dodgers camp to spend the first leg of the tournament with Team Puerto Rico.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Unable to see the ball, the Fugees’ goalie was frozen.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John

unable

Example Sentences

Related Words