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.
Hintz was unable to skate off the ice under his own power. Sportsday Staff, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026 He was scheduled to go on trial on the child pornography charges on Thursday, but was unable to appear in court because of his new arrest. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026 For two teens unable to use their legs, the future was especially bleak. Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 7 Mar. 2026 My parents, a letter carrier and a teacher, would be unable to afford today the modest house in which my sisters and I were raised. Matt Mahan, Mercury News, 7 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unable. Accessed 9 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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