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.

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

Cedars-Sinai spokesperson Duke Helfand said the hospital would be unable to recruit and retain physicians, nurses, and specialists if the measure passed, dramatically impairing its ability to provide healthcare.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

The BBC were unable to report on his guilty plea last month due to reporting restrictions related to the criminal case involving his son, Tom Jr.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

He pointed to “an increasingly robust demand backdrop” that is now also being driven by growing demand for central processing units, coinciding with memory makers being unable to add capacity fast enough.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

All three were worried that Bear Stearns might fail and be unable to make good on its gambling debts.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

unable

Example Sentences

Related Words