Unable
/ʌnˈeɪbəl/
Definitions
Not having the necessary power, skill, or means to do something.
/ʌnˈeɪbəl/
Lacking the power, capacity, or means to do something.
She was unable to find her keys.
💡 Simply: Imagine you really want to go to the park, but it's raining. You're unable to go because the weather is stopping you.
👶 For kids: When you can't do something, like if you're too tired to play, you're unable to play.
More Examples
The building was unable to withstand the storm.
I am unable to attend your party, I have prior engagements
How It's Used
"He was unable to attend the meeting due to illness."
"The defendant was found unable to pay the fine."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
unable to help oneself
To be unable to resist doing something; to have a strong impulse or compulsion to do something.
"He was unable to help himself and ate the entire cake."
From Middle English *un-able*, from Old English *unābel*, equivalent to un- + able.
Appears frequently in literature since the Middle Ages, reflecting the enduring concept of being incapable or lacking ability.
Memory tip
Think of 'un-' as 'not' and 'able' as 'capable'. So, 'unable' means 'not capable'.
Word Origin
"un- (not) + able (capable)"