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.

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unable

Logan Sargeant jumps out of his smoking Williams after crashing in final practice in 2024, causing extensive damage which meant he was unable to take part in qualifying.

From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026

But rescue teams have been unable to access the area where the High Fens fire first broke out, meaning its precise cause remains unknown.

From Barron's ● Aug. 16, 2026

In interviews with state media, Chen described how he grew up poor in a silk-weaving town in eastern China, where he dropped out of school at 13, unable to pay the fees.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026

During the in-person meeting at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, Navy leaders were unable to tell families when their loves ones would be relieved from duty.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

"This is madness," cried Neel the potter, unable to keep silent any longer.

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

unable

Example Sentences

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