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.
Three bystanders, Yamile Martinez, 21; Johntaya Alexander, 21; and Melinda Davis, 57, also died, unable to escape the sudden barrage of bullets. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026 If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2026 Growing numbers of Labour MPs called for Starmer to quit, but with Burnham unable to run as party leader – and hence prime minister – since rules and convention state that only serving MPs can do so, no one was willing or able to launch an official challenge. Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 19 June 2026 Clark and Daly met outside Joe’s Pizza, both unable to spectate from the sidelines, and ended up sticking together the rest of the day. Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 19 June 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 21 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

unable

adjective
un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
ˈən-
: not able : incapable

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