51Թ

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View synonyms for

unable

[ uhn-ey-buhl ]

adjective

  1. lacking the necessary power, competence, etc., to accomplish some specified act:

    He was unable to swim.



unable

/ ʌˈɪə /

adjective

  1. postpositivefoll byto lacking the necessary power, ability, or authority (to do something); not able
  2. archaic.
    incompetent
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of unable1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; un- 1 + able
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Synonym Study

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It also heard evidence about frustrated motorists unable to pay by cash in car parks.

From

At several locations, the border guards were manning positions well inside Iraqi territory, directly opposite Turkish troops, unable to go right up to the border and potentially risk a clash.

From

Sardinha had worked as a bartender’s assistant, but a motorcycle accident in 2019 left her unable to grab a knife well enough to chop lemons, as the job required.

From

The president’s stated effort to make the government more efficient is creating deep uncertainty in communities across the country, with state governments, research institutions and nonprofits unable to rely on federal aid and grants.

From

Fathers stare at the ground, ashamed to be unable to provide for their families.

From

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