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.
Many lack access to computers or the ability to use them, and are unable to travel long distances to the smaller number of SSA offices that remain. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026 But in the aftermath of a crash in a Tesla vehicle, first responders and others have observed that passengers are unable to operate the door handles and become trapped, a phenomenon that has been tied to at least 15 deaths. Andrea Guzmán, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026 Defenseman Vincent Iorio was unable to control the puck after a Joel Edmundson shot went wide and bounced off the end boards and back in front of the net. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026 Search crews have been unable to find the vehicle at this time. Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 8 Jan. 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 19 Jan. 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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