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.
According to the eyewitness, tensions escalated after the man — who had allegedly been drinking — was unable to purchase cigarettes onboard and became aggressive. Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026 The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll, as authorities have disrupted internet access and international calls in Iran. Stanislav Hodina, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026 The Associated Press has been unable to independently assess the death toll, given authorities have disrupted internet access and international calls in Iran. ABC News, 14 Feb. 2026 In the third period, Hunt tried to use an armbar maneuver from the top position that got her a pin in a quarterfinal against Lubbock Cooper’s Zaliyah Rodriguez on Friday, but Hunt was unable to force Arevalos into a near fall. Rick Kretzschmar, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 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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