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Definitions

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.

An October 2024 launch party with Will Smith and Alicia Keys proved premature, as rushed work left hotels riddled with construction problems and unable to open without hundreds of millions of dollars of fixes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

“Europe is entering a decisive decade, and it is unable to act,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

But he was unable to match the final-day surge from US Open champion Spaun and had to settle for a share of second place ahead of Masters week at Augusta.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Near the end of the first, Betts came back to the bench coughing and sputtering, seemingly unable to clear her throat.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

He goes on and on and I curl into myself, feel cemented in place, unable to move.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.