unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
: not able : incapable: such as

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.
For those looking to become members, but have previously been unable to find the time to schedule the appointment, several pop-ups in New York City this spring can provide the opportunity. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2025 Residents of Gaza are currently unable to leave on their own because the border crossing into Egypt is closed. Tom Soufi Burridge, ABC News, 19 Mar. 2025 The agency was unable to notify seven employees about reinstatement. Ashley Murray, Baltimore Sun, 19 Mar. 2025 Nineteen states and the District of Columbia argued their harm stemmed from not having received 60-days' notice of the mass layoffs as required by federal law, which left them unable to provide a rapid response that could have mitigated the economic impact. Andrea Hsu, NPR, 18 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unable. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

unable

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

More from Merriam-Webster on unable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!