-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Phrases
cannot but
or cannot help but
or less commonly cannot help
: to be unable to do otherwise than
we cannot but wonder why
I cannot help feeling sorry for them.
Examples of cannot in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Just like those unsavory relatives, leaders cannot—and should not—allow the behaviors of a certain few to hijack the culture for all.
—Shannon Gabriel, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
The reader can see what the characters cannot—what forced migration and residential schools have prevented them from seeing and sharing.
—Parul Sehgal, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024
Many researchers say algorithms cannot—yet, anyway—consistently read the subtleties of human expressions in different individuals, which may not match up with stereotypical internal feelings.
—John McQuaid, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2021
Business leaders cannot—and should not try to—solve complicated geopolitical problems.
—Peter Vanham, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2023
Experience—their ability to observe and draw connections where algorithms cannot—gives these forecasters an edge that continues to outperform the glitzy weather machines in the highest-stake situations.
—Meghan Herbst, Wired, 4 Jan. 2022
As great of a genius as Einstein was, his equations cannot—do not—account for all of the mysteries of the universe.
—Corey S Powell, Discover Magazine, 14 Jan. 2013
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.
Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of cannot was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near cannot
Cite this Entry
“Cannot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannot. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
cannot
can·not
ˈkan-(ˌ)ät
kə-ˈnät,
ka-ˈnät
: can not
More from Merriam-Webster on cannot
Nglish: Translation of cannot for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of cannot for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share