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

The restaurant’s food manager’s certificate was unavailable at the time of inspection, and California food handler cards were not available for review. —Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Ukrainian officials have not confirmed the claims, and independent verification remains unavailable. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

But with Powell unavailable, the thinking was that Herro would take on a bigger offensive role against the Mavericks on Wednesday after leading the Heat in points per game and usage rate last season. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025

Reid outlined his plans for the tackle position if Taylor, like Simmons, is unavailable. —Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unavailable

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