Unavailable
/ˌʌnəˈveɪləbəl/
Definitions
Not able to be obtained or used; not at one's disposal.
/ˌʌnəˈveɪləbəl/
Not able to be obtained, used, or reached.
The doctor is unavailable for appointments this week.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to play with a friend, but they can't play because they are busy. That means your friend is unavailable to play right now!
👶 For kids: Not ready or able to be used.
More Examples
The information is currently unavailable.
He was unavailable to attend the meeting.
How It's Used
"The manager is unavailable at the moment."
"The website is unavailable due to maintenance."
"The product is currently unavailable in our online store."
Idioms & expressions
be unavailable for comment
To refuse to answer questions about a particular subject.
"The CEO was unavailable for comment regarding the recent scandal."
unavailable resource
A resource that cannot be currently accessed or used.
"The IT department is working to fix the unavailable resource."
From un- (not) + available. Available comes from Old French available, from avaler 'to come down, descend' and Late Latin ad valere 'to be of value'.
The word 'unavailable' began appearing in English texts in the mid-19th century, coinciding with advancements in technology and communication that made the concept of being 'available' or 'unavailable' more relevant.
Memory tip
Think of a resource that you cannot use, like a library book that's already checked out.