unable

Examples

• All

• Unfortunately, she is unable to be with us tonight.

  Theater Camp (2023)

• The parties were unable to agree on the standards.

• I am, you know, unable to be still.

• Because children come into this world completely unable to pay for what they need.

• But they managed to get this much done despite being unable to find the building.

• Due to high call volume, we are currently unable to answer every call.

  He's Watching (2022)

• I'm upset because I feel like I'm unable to protect you.

  Death Club (2023)

• There is a general discontent as people are increasingly unable to support themselves and their families.

  Academic text (2011)

• With declining tax revenue, the government is unable to ensure equitable access to basic services.

  Academic text (2011)

• Due to heavy rain, we are unable to drive safely to the event.

Synonyms

H

helpless

vsunable

243 2.0

Not able to act or protect yourself

expresses general lack of ability or means not necessarily vulnerability or need

I

incapable

vsunable

162 3.4

Not able to do or experience something

covers general lack of ability or means rather than just missing skill

P

powerless

vsunable

138 3.6

Unable to do or stop something because you have no control

is a general lack of ability or means rather than lack of influence

I

impotent

vsunable

25 6.8

Unable to act or change a situation

describes lack of basic ability or resources rather than inability to act effectively

Antonyms

A

able

∞ 1.0

Having the skill or power to do something

C

capable

945 1.4

Able to do something well because of skill or training

Idioms

U

unable to can

• Slang

9.9

Not able to deal with things because you feel overwhelmed or exhausted

How Able

expert

3 3.5

skilled

172 3.5

capable

945 1.4

able

∞ 1.0

limited

162 2.0

unable

809 1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology