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

A total of 55% are unable to save 10% of their paycheck for retirement due to competing expenses, Schroders said.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

The BBC has been unable to get a response from Jingye itself to Thursday's announcement.

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

Northumbrian Water has long blamed polluted groundwater for the beach's low score but for years, alongside others including the EA and North Tyneside Council, has been unable to get to the root of the problem.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

Fields—soon became more popular than shorts and Chase seemed unable to adjust.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 15, 2026

He felt a rush of empathy, thinking what it would be like to be unable to swing your legs out of bed in the morning and walk unaided to the closet for your clothes.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

unable

Example Sentences

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