unable

[uhn-ay-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.

See Examples For:

unable

Ultimately finished behind Bearman and was unable to make the changing conditions work sufficiently to threaten the points.

From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026

In mid-July, Jackie was found weak, disheveled and unable to fly on the north shore of the lake after a scuffle with two younger eagles.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026

“Hi, I’m the Walmart AI agent. I see we were unable to process your refund. Are you calling about that?”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 4, 2026

According to the Associated Press, 19 states say that an intoxicated person is only considered incapacitated — and therefore unable to consent — if they were given drugs or alcohol without knowing.

From Salon ● Oct. 3, 2026

Molly’s hands trembled, and for a moment she hesitated, unwilling or unable to touch it, before at last reaching in and roughly unspooling the film.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

unable

Example Sentences

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Related Words