unavailable

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

Synonyms of unavailable

• inaccessible

Examples of unavailable in a Sentence

the commander is unavailable right now

Recent Examples on the Web

Missing Sunday marks the first time since James missed the first 14 games of the season with sciatica that the Lakers listed him as unavailable for back to back games. —Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026

In Friday night’s impressive road win over the Charlotte Hornets, the Heat’s point guard trio of Jakucionis, Mitchell and Smith all played double-digit minutes with rotation regulars Norman Powell and Andrew Wiggins among those unavailable on Friday because of injuries. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026

Captain Anže Kopitar has been revitalized of late, but was still on track for several career lows and has already missed a career-high 15 games, similar to the 13 for which Trevor Moore was unavailable. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 8 Mar. 2026

What skills, supports or alternatives were unavailable? —Gwilym Roddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unavailable

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