unable

[ uhn-ey-buhl ]

adjective

1. lacking the necessary power, competence, etc., to accomplish some specified act:

   He was unable to swim.

unable

/ ʌnˈeɪbəl /

adjective

1. postpositivefoll byto lacking the necessary power, ability, or authority (to do something); not able
2. archaic.
   incompetent

Word History and Origins

Origin of unable¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; un- ¹ + able

Synonym Study

See incapable.

Example Sentences

With Malaga at the centre of severe flooding on Wednesday, the British squad were unable to leave their hotel as heavy rain hit the Andalusian city.

From BBC

Were the bill to pass, would that leave the health secretary unable to carry on in his role?

From BBC

Helen says she was terrified to find herself so far from home and unable to talk to anyone about what had happened.

From BBC

Budehaven Community School in Bude, Cornwall said it had "experienced a complete breakdown of our internet, registration and telephone services" and was "unable to safeguard our pupils" until the system was fixed by its external provider.

From BBC

The secondary school and sixth form said it would be working with its provider to try and solve the problem, but would be unable to open until it was fixed.

From BBC

Related Words

• helpless
• impotent
• inadequate
• incapable
• not able
• powerless
• sidelined
• unfit
• weak