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.
In fact, the federal government is practically throwing cash in an incinerator by handing over blank checks to these predatory schools to begin with, only for courts to mandate debt elimination on the backend or borrowers driven into poverty by the schools rendered unable to pay back a penny. David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 When the Eaton Fire started 10 days ago, Martin was unable to find temporary housing nearby. Dalia Faheid, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025 Throughout the night of Oct. 23 and early morning of Oct. 24, Avila’s family was unable to reach him by phone or track his location with the Life360 app, according to court documents. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025 Some of the unsealed records in his file highlight the grim truth of a psychotic man who is deeply paranoid, delusional, and unable to understand his charges. Kallie Cox, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near unable

Cite this Entry

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