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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
So if Trump is unable to bring significant pressure on Putin’s political regime, then the outcome is that Ukraine will be condemned to fight a rear-guard action, a war of attrition against a superior power that can sacrifice lives more easily at a far higher scale. Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024 Some customers reported some difficulty with the frictionless payment system at the grab-and-go concession stands, unable to walk out at first as expected. Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024 Despite years of effort, Penzone was unable to bring the Sheriff's Office into full compliance with federal court orders related to an ongoing civil rights lawsuit that dates back to the Arpaio days. Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 While Jagger is English and unable to participate in the U.S elections, some of his children are able to vote. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 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 17 Nov. 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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