Looking up...
be unable to
/biː ʌnˈeɪbəl tuː/
lack the ability or capacity to do something
She was unable to attend the meeting due to illness.
She couldn't go to the meeting because she was sick.
general
to lack the ability, power, or capacity to do something
He was unable to finish the project on time.
He couldn't complete the project by the deadline.
The system is unable to process your request at this time.
The system can't handle your request right now.
This phrase is commonly used to express a lack of ability or capacity in various contexts, from physical limitations to technical constraints.
Collocations
be unable to do somethingto lack the ability to perform an actionbe unable to attendto be unable to go to an event or meeting
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Be unable to' is often used in formal and informal contexts to express a lack of ability or capacity. It is commonly used in situations where someone or something cannot perform a task due to physical, mental, or technical limitations.
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Use 'be unable to' to express a lack of ability or capacity to do something. It is often used in formal and informal contexts.
Word Origin
The phrase 'be unable to' is a combination of the verb 'be' and the adjective 'unable', which comes from the Old English 'unable' meaning 'not able'. The phrase has been used in English for centuries to express a lack of ability.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express a lack of ability or capacity. It is often used in situations where someone or something cannot perform a task due to physical, mental, or technical limitations.
Word Breakdown
be
to exist or occur
verbunable
not able
adjectiveto
infinitive marker
particleEnglish Dictionary