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

Gonzalez was hired 19 days before the Campeones Cup to take over for Guillermo Hoyos, but was unable to join the club immediately. — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2026

There’s expert work also from Pyle as a careworn law enforcement officer unable to remain indifferent to the taking of another life in the name of the law. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026

The Washington Post reported on Sunday that Kennedy Center leaders are warning trustees of financial collapse within weeks, saying that the institution could soon be unable to make payroll or cover routine bills. — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2026

Officers launched an extensive search but were unable to locate him immediately. — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026