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.
If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025 In the Senate Finance Committee hearing last week, Cassidy relayed accounts of a cancer patient being unable to get a COVID-19 vaccine and doctors being confused by the current state of access to the shots. Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2025 Despite these efforts, Armenian and Azerbaijani officials were unable to reach a final peace agreement. Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025 Jam must reckon with the stories she’s been told of the past and present and discover remaining monstrosities that the adults are unable, or unwilling, to see. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unable. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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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