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unable
/ˌʌnˈeɪbəl/
incapable of doing something
She was unable to attend the meeting due to illness.
She couldn't go to the meeting because she was sick.
general
not having the power, skill, or opportunity to do something
The team was unable to complete the project on time.
The team couldn't finish the project by the deadline.
He is unable to speak after the accident.
He lost the ability to speak because of the accident.
Often used to describe a lack of ability or opportunity, not necessarily a permanent condition.
Collocations
unable to do somethingincapable of performing an actionunable to attendnot able to go to an event or meetingunable to copenot able to handle a difficult situation
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Unable' is often used in formal or professional contexts, but it's also common in everyday speech. It can describe both temporary and permanent inability.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
In informal contexts, 'unable' can often be replaced with 'can't' or 'couldn't,' but 'unable' is more formal and precise.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'unable,' from Old French 'inable,' from Latin 'inabilis,' meaning 'not able,' from 'in-' (not) + 'habilis' (able).
Usage Notes
Often used in formal contexts, but also common in everyday speech. Can describe temporary or permanent inability.
Word Breakdown
un-
not
prefix-able
capable of
suffixEnglish Dictionary