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

The enclave’s small police force was quickly overwhelmed and unable to bring the protesters or migrants under control. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026

Its most recent bargaining contract, covering some 700 workers, expired in 2022, and union leadership and company have been unable to reach an agreement on a new contract since then. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

This story was unable to independently verify the decline or total viewership minutes for F1 on Apple TV. — Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

The Bee reached out to the hotel but was unable to reach a manager. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026