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.

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unable

But he was unable to resolve the issue, he added.

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026

“Listen to your body” is lovely advice until you are neurodivergent, burned out, staring into the refrigerator at 8:17 p.m. or otherwise unable to locate your body’s supposedly innate wisdom about dinner.

From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026

She regularly felt sick, she was unable to take part in family events, her career was curtailed and she felt constantly "on eggshells".

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

But from the opening snap on Saturday night, Manning seemed unable to escape destruction.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026

The deep-thinking owl stared at the polar bear for a good long time, unable to come up with a countering argument, so she changed the subject instead.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

unable

Example Sentences

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