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.

Tongzhou Group has not made a public statement so far, and the BBC has been unable to reach them for comment.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The detention of Parra’s husband, Yonquenide José Yajure, meant the family’s breadwinner was gone, and she was unable to work without a caretaker for her two children.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Many of the girls regularly fundraise for them, though they are unable to publicly declare their personal reasons for doing so.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

The Angels were unable to tie against Athletics reliever Mark Leiter Jr., who earned the save, despite having runners on the corners and zero outs in the bottom of the 10th inning.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

We stood there on that bleak hillside, quite unable to take our eyes off the huge fireball that was rising now over the city.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

unable

Example Sentences

Related Words