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

Clive and Roosevelt at last heard the shouts of the others and the wild baying cry of the lead dogs, unable to bring the bear to a full bay but easily able now to keep it in sight. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

When a friend was unable to reach Goldstein before a flight to a gig in Las Vegas, the friend called 911, and authorities found Goldstein in his bed with drug paraphernalia nearby. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026

Crews conducted searches of the eastern units on the first and second floors, the fire department said, but were unable to safely search the western units due to the extensive fire damage, including floor and roof failure. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

But the families remain besieged, unable to come and go without fear. — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 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