unable

adjective

un·​able ˌən-ˈā-bəl How to pronounce unable (audio)
Synonyms of unablenext
: 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.
Doncic went up and down the court a couple of times but was unable to play any longer. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026 Powell closed 9 of 15 from the field, disappointed in the Heat again unable to sustain. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026 Animal Control received a report of a dog stuck in a deep hole and responded to the scene, where officers found the animal unable to free itself, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release. Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026 Kevin Aymoz was unable to match him for France, leaving his team one point below the cut line. Dave Skretta, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026 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 14 Feb. 2026.

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!

More from Merriam-Webster