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
According to the New York City charter, if a mayor is suspended by the governor, unable to perform their duties, absent from the city or resigns, the city’s public advocate would become the acting mayor and serve in a temporary capacity.
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NBC News, 26 Sep. 2024
If within six months from the date of the request for arbitration, the parties are unable to agree on the organization of the arbitration, the parties may refer the dispute to the ICJ.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
However, severely dehydrated people are often weak, unable to swallow, or unconscious.
—Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024
Alan Miller, who was given a reprieve in 2022 after his execution was called off when officials were unable to connect an intravenous line, was sentenced to die after being convicted of killing three men during back-to-back workplace shootings in 1999.
—Sean Murphy, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for unable 
NBC News, 26 Sep. 2024
If within six months from the date of the request for arbitration, the parties are unable to agree on the organization of the arbitration, the parties may refer the dispute to the ICJ.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
However, severely dehydrated people are often weak, unable to swallow, or unconscious.
—Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024
Alan Miller, who was given a reprieve in 2022 after his execution was called off when officials were unable to connect an intravenous line, was sentenced to die after being convicted of killing three men during back-to-back workplace shootings in 1999.
—Sean Murphy, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 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 1 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
unable
adjective
un·able
ˌən-ˈā-bəl 
ˈən-
: not able : incapable
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