cannot spare

/kænˈnɒt speər/

be unable to provide or give

I cannot spare any more time for this project.

I don't have any extra time to give to this project.

formalinformal

To be unable to provide or give something due to lack of availability or necessity

The doctor cannot spare a moment to see you right now.

The doctor is too busy to see you at the moment.

I cannot spare any money for luxuries this month.

I don't have extra money to spend on non-essentials this month.

Often used to politely decline a request or express a lack of resources.

Collocations

cannot spare a momentbe too busy to give any timecannot spare any moneydo not have extra money to spend

Synonyms

cannot afford do not have are unable to provide

Antonyms

can afford have plenty are willing to give

Related Phrases

cannot affordphrase

do not have enough money for something

cannot providephrase

be unable to give something

Pro Tip

Polite Declination

Use 'cannot spare' to politely decline requests when you lack the time, money, or resources.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The phrase is versatile but should be used appropriately to avoid sounding too rigid or unhelpful.

Word Origin

From the combination of 'cannot' (negative form of 'can') and 'spare' (to give or provide something extra).

Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express a lack of availability or resources. It can be used to decline requests politely or to explain limitations.

Word Breakdown

cannot

negative form of 'can'

prefix

spare

to give or provide something extra

root

English Dictionary

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