unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
Synonyms of unablenext
: not able : incapable: such as
a
: unqualified, incompetent
b
: impotent, helpless

Synonyms of unable

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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.
Matt Bevin has for months claimed Johnson is unable to afford him a fair trial and is using the case to gain attention from the media. — Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2026 When the show ended, the audience burst into rattled applause, as if we’d been woken from our own dream, still unable to tell the reverie from the real thing. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026 Two weeks earlier, gangs attacked Fort Dimanche in Cité Soleil, where several elderly residents who were unable to flee their homes were killed. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 The team was unable to protect its quarterbacks or consistently move the ball, finishing last in the NFL in total offense while allowing a league-high 64 sacks. — Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for unable

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Browse Nearby Words

unability
unable
Una boat
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Cite this Entry

“Unable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unable. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unable

adjective
un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
ˈən-
: not able : incapable
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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