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

In a statement released Thursday evening, Live Nation said Earth, Wind & Fire was unable to perform as scheduled because of the medical emergency. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

International regulatory organizations are already unable to keep pace, and states may not be willing to share information or resources that give their merchant fleets a competitive edge. — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Ward explained that despite being unable to attain traditional markers of economic success such as home-buying, Gen Z is able to find financial empowerment elsewhere, not just through investing, but paving the way for their own careers. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026

The minivan used its turn signal and changed lanes, but the motorcycle driver was unable to stop in time due to a high rate of speed, police said. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026