unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl 

: not able : incapable: such as

a

: unqualified, incompetent

b

: impotent, helpless

Synonyms of unable

• unfit
• unfitted
• incompetent
• incapable

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

There was plenty of evidence on this point, the most important being that the Kittrells were being chased by creditors at the time of their transfers and the transfers left them insolvent and unable to satisfy their debts. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Concertgoers gather outside Chase Center after a message announces that Earth, Wind and Fire is unable to perform due to a medical emergency involving a member of the band in San Francisco, California, August 6, 2026. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

The Atlanta Journal-Constitutition was unable to confirm if Cole is still employed by Cumulus. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026

In footage of the incident, the fox fights against the current of the ride’s water, unable to climb up the walls surrounding the attraction. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unable

• able
• chaebol
• fable
• label
• sable
• stabile
• stable
• table
• allocable
• educable
• irrigable
• purchasable

Kids Definition

unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl 

ˈən-

: not able : incapable