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.
Regrettably, his mother was unable to attend the match in person due to the prohibitive cost of visa fees. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 For Abdul-Kafi, making barbecue means providing first-time experiences to people who have traditionally been unable to eat it. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026 But the league had been unable to attract enough advertising or sponsorship revenue to offset the huge signing bonuses paid to bring in some of the sport’s biggest names. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Sheriff’s detectives recovered the skull and other items from the campsite and surrounding area, but medical examiners were unable to determine a cause of death. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unable

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