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

“We are checking the information and at this stage we are unable to verify or refute it.”

From BBC

"But mainland England and Wales is in dire straits, and they will become extinct if we are unable to reverse this trend."

From BBC

Fairey noted that researchers have known about the compound for decades but have been unable to identify it.

From Science Daily

In the same issue of the journal, however, two Harvard experts cast doubt on the study, noting that the original researchers were unable to replicate their findings when they repeated their study with new subjects.

From Los Angeles Times

“With the current staff we are unable to fulfill his enrichment needs and it is inhumane to continue housing in a shelter environment,” the workers’ notes said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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