Synonyms of unable

unable

adjective

ˌən-ˈā-bəl 

as in unfit

lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job

a celebrated author of serious plays, he turned out to be a particularly unable writer of comedies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unfit
• unfitted
• incompetent
• incapable
• ineligible
• unprepared
• inexperienced
• unskilled
• unqualified
• inept
• useless
• inapt
• inefficient
• ineffective
• inexpert
• ineffectual
• unskillful
• worthless
• wanting
• unequipped
• unprofessional
• green
• untrained
• disqualified
• amateurish
• callow
• raw
• dilettantish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• able
• capable
• competent
• skilled
• ready
• qualified
• expert
• prepared
• fit
• skillful
• trained
• ultracompetent
• experienced
• adept
• crack
• seasoned
• veteran
• ace
• accomplished
• consummate
• practiced
• virtuoso
• versatile
• overqualified
• protean
• all-around

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unable

Signs that a bat may be rabid include the creature being active during the day, or if it is found on the ground or unable to fly. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Your team can end up sitting at their desks depleted, unable to access creative thinking or emotional regulation. — Roy Ward, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Qualifying residents, including those unable to vote in person for religious reasons or disability, may vote absentee. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026

Fudd was dismayed about being unable to be physical with opponents. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026