unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl 

: not able : incapable: such as

a

: unqualified, incompetent

b

: impotent, helpless

Synonyms of unable

• unfit
• unfitted
• incompetent
• incapable

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

City spokesperson Jennifer Singer declined comment on the lawsuit, stating the city is unable comment on pending litigation. — Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

Kennedy has been unable to implement several elements of his vaccine agenda in the face of resistance from different corners of the government, including within the health department and the White House, the Reuters reporting found. — CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Toronto Apartment opens with Lock O’Hara (played by Wheeler) being dumped by his girlfriend Ava (Jessica Grossman), who moves out and leaves him unable to cover the rent alone. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

Most recently, Congress responded by providing $31 billion for technology, including body cameras, but lawmakers were unable to negotiate a mandate for ICE to purchase or use them. — Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for unable

• able
• chaebol
• fable
• label
• sable
• stabile
• stable
• table
• allocable
• educable
• irrigable
• purchasable

Kids Definition

unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl 

ˈən-

: not able : incapable