unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
: not able : incapable: such as

Examples of unable in a Sentence

I was unable to afford the trip. He was unable to play tennis after the injury.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The commission had planned to make a recommendation to the City Council about the police pilot program but was unable to by the end of the two-hour meeting. Serena Lin, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 Previous leaders who have been faced with ICC arrest warrants have experienced limitations on their ability to travel, unable to pass through countries legally obliged to arrest them. Abbas Al Lawati, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024 Melody uses a power wheelchair to get around and is unable to speak with her voice. Jaclyn Greenberg, Parents, 21 Nov. 2024 Clayton Homes referred the inquiry to the Manufactured Housing Institute, an industry group, which was unable to provide a representative for comment in time for publication. Andrea Riquier, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for unable 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unable was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near unable

Cite this Entry

“Unable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unable. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

unable

adjective
un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
ˈən-
: not able : incapable

More from Merriam-Webster on unable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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