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 annual Social Security and Medicare trustees report released last May said the program’s trust fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2035. Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2025 Early in the second quarter, Darnold had the Vikings first-and-goal on Detroit’s 5-yard line, but was unable to get into the end zone after a couple errant throws to Justin Jefferson, while also failing to see a wide open Jordan Addison in the flat as well. Scott Thompson, Fox News, 6 Jan. 2025 With journalists, activists, and officials from international agencies unable to freely investigate or monitor conditions, the stream of stories and images that might fuel anger is limited, and the Uyghurs’ plight is kept largely out of sight. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025 Early in 2019, an Entangled author was unable to deliver her book as planned, leaving a gap in the schedule. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near unable

Cite this Entry

“Unable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unable. Accessed 17 Jan. 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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