Synonyms of unable

unable

adjective

ˌən-ˈā-bəl 

as in unfit

lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job

a celebrated author of serious plays, he turned out to be a particularly unable writer of comedies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unfit
• unfitted
• incompetent
• incapable
• ineligible
• unprepared
• inexperienced
• unskilled
• unqualified
• inept
• useless
• inapt
• inefficient
• ineffective
• inexpert
• ineffectual
• unskillful
• worthless
• wanting
• unequipped
• unprofessional
• green
• untrained
• disqualified
• amateurish
• callow
• raw
• dilettantish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• able
• capable
• competent
• skilled
• ready
• qualified
• expert
• prepared
• fit
• skillful
• trained
• ultracompetent
• experienced
• adept
• crack
• seasoned
• veteran
• ace
• accomplished
• consummate
• practiced
• virtuoso
• versatile
• overqualified
• protean
• all-around

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of unable

Unfortunately for Chourio, the Brewers were unable to complete the sweep in Game 4 Tuesday night, as the Rays rallied in the 12th inning to win 4-3 at Tropicana Field and force Game 5. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

The Beach Boys haven’t performed since a pair of shows earlier this month in Cincinnati and Nashville where frontman Mike Love appeared incredibly frail, largely unable to sing or even stand. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026

The worker is indicative of a growing trend of people who are employed yet unable to feed their families in this tough economic environment. — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Visitors Cory and Jared, who arrived in town for the boat show, were unable to access their home. — Joan Murray, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026