Cool MateMeaning of Unable
not having the skill, strength, time, knowledge, etc. to do something
In simple words: not able to do something
Unable in a sentence
- I was unable to attend the meeting due to a family emergency.
- She felt unable to express her feelings clearly.
- He remains unable to find a solution to the problem.
- The project was unable to meet the deadlines set by the client.
- They were unable to reach a consensus during the discussion.
How to use Unable
Use 'unable' in situations where someone or something lacks the ability to perform an action. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid in very casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
unable + to + verb
Memory hint
Think of 'unable' as 'un-able,' like a superhero who lost their powers.
Related words
Synonyms for Unable
- incapable
- powerless
- incompetent
- unfit
Common mistakes with Unable
- Confused with 'unable to' and 'not able to' — they mean the same but usage can vary.
- Using 'unable' without a following action verb.
- Misplacing adjectives — remember 'unable' always describes capability.
Unable appears in
Unable in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
غير قادر
غير قادر على فعل شيء
- Bengaliবাংলা
অক্ষম
কিছু করতে না পারা
- GermanDeutsch
Nicht fähig
nicht in der Lage sein, etwas zu tun
- SpanishEspañol
Incapaz
no poder hacer algo
- Persianفارسی
ناتوان
قادر نبودن به انجام کاری
- FrenchFrançais
Incapable
pas capable de faire quelque chose
- Hindiहिन्दी
असमर्थ
कुछ करने में सक्षम न होना
- ItalianItaliano
Incapace
non essere in grado di fare qualcosa
- PortuguesePortuguês
Incapaz
não conseguir fazer algo
- RussianРусский
Не в состоянии, не в силах
невозможно сделать что-то
- Urduاردو
نااہل، قاصر
کوئی کام کرنے کے قابل نہ ہونا
- Chinese中文
无法
不能做某事
More words like Unable
- AbandonB2
To leave someone or something and never return to them.
- AbilityA2
the fact that somebody/something is able to do something
- AbleA2
having the skill, intelligence, opportunity, etc. needed to do something
- AbroadA2
In or to a country that is not one's own.
- AbsoluteB2
total and complete
- AbsolutelyB1
used to emphasize that something is completely true
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Frequently asked questions about Unable
What does Unable mean?
not able to do something
What is the definition of Unable?
not having the skill, strength, time, knowledge, etc. to do something
How do you use Unable in a sentence?
I was unable to attend the meeting due to a family emergency.
Can you give another example of Unable?
She felt unable to express her feelings clearly.
What are synonyms for Unable?
Common alternatives include incapable, powerless, incompetent, unfit.
What is the opposite of Unable?
Opposite meanings include able, capable.
What words go with Unable?
It commonly pairs with appear, be, feel, completely, quite, totally, unwilling or unable.
What are common mistakes when using Unable?
Confused with 'unable to' and 'not able to' — they mean the same but usage can vary. Using 'unable' without a following action verb. Misplacing adjectives — remember 'unable' always describes capability.
How do you pronounce Unable?
US: /["/ʌnˈeɪbl/"]/, UK: /["/ʌnˈeɪbl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Unable?
Use 'unable' in situations where someone or something lacks the ability to perform an action. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid in very casual conversations.
What CEFR level is Unable?
"Unable" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.