not able

ADJECTIVE

unable

Synonyms

STRONGEST

helpless impotent inadequate incapable 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.

Golightly said: "It's reported that Muhammed was not able to swim."

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

“It’s a proof point of something more fundamental which is wrong in the general economy—that people are not able to buy new cars.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

"There is a lot of social stigma, they are afraid... They have a feeling that even if you get old, it is natural that they are not able to see."

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

“There are so many routes of access right now that are not able to be stopped or regulated, at least not so far,” she said.

From Slate • May 18, 2026

For the first few months after Sam’s death I was not able to do much more than my basic chores.

From "My Brother Sam is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

not able

Example Sentences

Related Words