unavailable

1 of 2

adjective

un·​avail·​able ˌən-ə-ˈvā-lə-bəl 

: not available: such as

a

: not possible to get or use

a book that is currently unavailable online

The conference room is unavailable this afternoon.

b

: unable or unwilling to do something

—often followed by for or by to + a verb

Officials were unavailable for comment.

The manager is unavailable to speak with you right now.

unavailability

ˌən-ə-ˌvā-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

unavailability

2 of 2

noun

un·​availability ¦ən+ 

: lack of availability

the unavailability of medical supplies endangered the wounded

Synonyms of unavailable

Adjective

• inaccessible

Examples of unavailable in a Sentence

Adjective

the commander is unavailable right now

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

With Chandimal still unavailable, Sooriyabandara retains his place for the second test, which Sri Lanka must win to level the series. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026

With Hill unavailable, that created an opportunity for sophomore Joel Silva to step in. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 22 Aug. 2026

Tickets that appear unavailable one day could go on the market weeks later as organizers gain a clearer picture of setups. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Solitude empowers you, so give yourself permission to be unavailable, even if just for a moment. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unavailable

• available
• unsalable
• bailable
• mailable
• salable
• saleable
• scalable
• bioavailable
• unassailable