cannot
/ˈkæn.ɒt/
be unable to
She cannot swim very well.
She is not skilled at swimming.
general
To be unable to do something due to lack of ability, permission, or possibility.
He cannot lift this heavy box alone.
He lacks the strength to lift the box by himself.
We cannot leave until the meeting ends.
We are not allowed to depart before the meeting concludes.
Often used to express inability or prohibition.
Collocations
cannot helpto be unable to stop oneself from doing somethingcannot affordto lack the financial means for something
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Contractions
'Cannot' is often shortened to 'can't' in casual conversation.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'cannot' in formal writing and 'can't' in informal contexts.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'can not', from Old English 'cann' (can) + 'not'.
Usage Notes
Often contracted to 'can't' in informal speech and writing.
Word Breakdown
can
to be able to
rootnot
negation
suffixEnglish Dictionary