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.

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not able

Despite a search of the park with helicopters equipped with heat-detection cameras, police were not able to locate the suspect in the immediate aftermath.

From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026

Although the models were supposed to be “sandboxed” and not able to access the internet, they went bonkers figuring out how to get free.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

For households who are not able to contribute this much, this milestone requires more time.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026

At 24, Jeremy Doku is an elite talent, though he was not able to recreate the form he found with Manchester City last season.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

Still, as miserable as my life has been, I was not able to bring myself to set the plan in motion, or even to make the first move for a long time.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

not able

Example Sentences

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