Synonyms
Examples of unable in a Sentence
I was unable to afford the trip.
He was unable to play tennis after the injury.
Recent Examples on the Web
And many hospitals are barely functioning, unable to run enough generators to keep their equipment running as the casualties mount.
—
James Hider, NPR, 28 May 2024
The fall, Reeve's doctors say, caused multiple fractures of the first and second cervical vertebrae in his spinal column, those closest to the skull — a grievous injury that has left the actor paralyzed, unable to use any of his limbs or even to breathe without the aid of a respirator.
—People Staff, Peoplemag, 27 May 2024
But the Twins’ ace was unable to deliver the type of performance that those fans have grown accustomed to during his time in Minnesota.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 26 May 2024
If unable to reach a secure shelter, either crouch down in your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.
—Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for unable 
James Hider, NPR, 28 May 2024
The fall, Reeve's doctors say, caused multiple fractures of the first and second cervical vertebrae in his spinal column, those closest to the skull — a grievous injury that has left the actor paralyzed, unable to use any of his limbs or even to breathe without the aid of a respirator.
—People Staff, Peoplemag, 27 May 2024
But the Twins’ ace was unable to deliver the type of performance that those fans have grown accustomed to during his time in Minnesota.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 26 May 2024
If unable to reach a secure shelter, either crouch down in your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.
—Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for unable
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near unable
Cite this Entry
“Unable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unable. Accessed 5 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unable
adjective
un·able
ˌən-ˈā-bəl 
ˈən-
: not able : incapable
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