DictionaryAI

unable

un-AY-buhl/ʌnˈeɪbl̩/

3 meanings of unable

Practice

  1. 1
    adjective
    Not having the power, skill, or chance to do something.

    Like a phone with a dead battery that cannot turn on.

    She was unable to open the heavy door by herself.

    The whole team is unable to play in heavy rain.

    UsageUse unable to + verb: unable to sleep. Incapable uses of: incapable of lying.

    Similarpowerless, incapable, helpless

    Oppositeable, capable

Less common meanings

  1. 2
    interjection
    Used to tell someone that you cannot do what they asked.
  2. 3
    verbnonstandard
    To take away the power of someone or something to work or act.

Use it in a sentence

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Origin

From Middle English unable, made from un- plus able.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts