unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl 

: not able : incapable: such as

a

: unqualified, incompetent

b

: impotent, helpless

Synonyms of unable

• unfit
• unfitted
• incompetent
• incapable

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

Dwindling supplies of lifesaving medication In Tucson, María Chacon has been caring for her son Jesus for almost five years since a car accident at 17 left him unable to breathe on his own. — Mikella Schuettler, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Penix was unable to finish the game after taking a shot to the ribs late in the fourth quarter. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

But inside, Sweeney’s vision triumphed over Wright’s, who, despite many passionate memos, was unable to convince Harry to interfere. — Wendy S. Walters, Architectural Digest, 12 Oct. 2026

But at his worst, Willis has been a mess - error-prone, inaccurate, unable at times to spot open receivers. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unable

• able
• chaebol
• fable
• label
• sable
• stabile
• stable
• table
• allocable
• educable
• irrigable
• purchasable

Kids Definition

unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl 

ˈən-

: not able : incapable