unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
Synonyms of unablenext
: not able : incapable: such as

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.
But the workforce is currently unable to meet the demand. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026 Almost the entire second half was played in the Joshua end, but South Hills was unable to get the equalizer. Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026 Assembly areas had been established for people required to evacuate or who were unable to get home. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026 Riders will go even faster to beat a light or stop sign, pedestrians will be targets for serious injuries and cars will be unable to stop, causing serious injury to e-bikers and bicyclists. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unable. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

unable

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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