as in unfit
lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job
a celebrated author of serious plays, he turned out to be a particularly unable writer of comedies
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of unable
She was carried off the court, unable to put weight on the leg, and didn’t return.
—
Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Huffing and puffing and occasionally pausing briefly to catch their breath, the two utility workers, outfitted with safety glasses and hard hats, ultimately had to stop after more than five minutes, unable to break through the thick pipe with a large circular cutting device.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Senators generally argue that Congress should take the lead on regulating AI, but so far the two parties have been unable to broker a deal that is acceptable to Republicans' and Democrats' divergent concerns.
—Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
Cooper said Sacramento County has been unable to compete with higher salaries and wages in neighboring counties.
—Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unable
Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Huffing and puffing and occasionally pausing briefly to catch their breath, the two utility workers, outfitted with safety glasses and hard hats, ultimately had to stop after more than five minutes, unable to break through the thick pipe with a large circular cutting device.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
Senators generally argue that Congress should take the lead on regulating AI, but so far the two parties have been unable to broker a deal that is acceptable to Republicans' and Democrats' divergent concerns.
—Arkansas Online, 7 June 2025
Cooper said Sacramento County has been unable to compete with higher salaries and wages in neighboring counties.
—Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for unable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unable
Adjective
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The man, 41, was taken to the hospital once the flight landed, and he was later arrested on suspicion of being unfit for duty, per the statement.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
1 June 2025
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The trouble is, the president who insisted that Biden was unfit now encourages speculation about seeking a clearly unconstitutional third term.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Here, Rodel shares how to make the unfitted kitchen trend your own, one statement-worthy piece at a time.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 May 2025
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Mix Materials The beauty in the unfitted kitchen aesthetic is found in its collected look.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 May 2025
Adjective
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Trump is somewhat incompetent at being an autocrat right now.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
6 June 2025
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Two common themes emerged: many aren’t sure of who the DA is or what the office does and, those who do know, view the DA as ineffective, unprofessional and, in many cases, incompetent.—
Craig MacLellan,
Boston Herald,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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This definition also includes instance in which the victim is incapable of giving consent because of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (include due to the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because of age.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
6 June 2025
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Employees at every level should feel comfortable acknowledging mental health struggles without fear of being labeled unproductive or incapable.—
Mindi Cox,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Unable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unable. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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