unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
Synonyms of unablenext
: not able : incapable: such as
a
: unqualified, incompetent
b
: impotent, helpless

Synonyms of unable

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Examples of unable in a Sentence

I was unable to afford the trip. He was unable to play tennis after the injury.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The newspaper was unable to confirm whether this charge was also related to Brad Patty. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 Analysts used imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites to verify signs of the strikes on the data centers but were unable to determine the extent of the damage, according to Bloomberg News. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026 Those skeptical of the arrangement argue that being unable to maneuver an airport with your partner does not bode well for the rest of the relationship. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 30 July 2026 The sample was submitted to the California Department of Justice, but without matching DNA from relatives, detectives were still unable to identify the teenage victim. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unable was in the 14th century

Rhymes for unable

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Browse Nearby Words

unability
unable
Una boat
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Cite this Entry

“Unable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unable. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unable

adjective
un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
ˈən-
: not able : incapable

More from Merriam-Webster on unable

Nglish: Translation of unable for Spanish Speakers

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