unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
: 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.
Cole withdrew due to illness before the start of the fourth round, while Kim was unable to finish on Friday due to a back injury. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025 Failure to acquire the additional capacity would mean HSBC’s return-to-office mandate could be dead on arrival, with thousands of staff unable to find desk space at the bank’s buildings. Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 June 2025 But then President Trump posted on social media that if the current regime is unable to make Iran great again, why wouldn't there be regime change? Obed Manuel, NPR, 23 June 2025 She’s now bound to a wheelchair, unable to speak or care for herself. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 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 30 Jun. 2025.

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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