Synonyms of unable

unable

adjective

ˌən-ˈā-bəl 

as in unfit

lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job

a celebrated author of serious plays, he turned out to be a particularly unable writer of comedies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unfit
• unfitted
• incompetent
• incapable
• ineligible
• unprepared
• inexperienced
• unskilled
• unqualified
• inept
• useless
• inapt
• inefficient
• ineffective
• inexpert
• ineffectual
• unskillful
• worthless
• wanting
• unequipped
• unprofessional
• green
• untrained
• disqualified
• amateurish
• callow
• raw
• dilettantish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• able
• capable
• competent
• skilled
• ready
• qualified
• expert
• prepared
• fit
• skillful
• trained
• ultracompetent
• experienced
• adept
• crack
• practised
• seasoned
• veteran
• ace
• accomplished
• consummate
• practiced
• virtuoso
• versatile
• overqualified
• all-round
• protean
• all-around

Examples of unable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In many ways, the current fiscal situation dates back to the financial crisis of 2008 and the fact that the country’s economy was unable to snap back readily to close the budget shortfalls that occurred then. —Kevin Klowden, Chief Global Strategist At The Milken Institute, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2024

He was then contacted by producers for a small role on the show when the president of Disney Channel entertainment was unable to make it. —Marina Watts, Peoplemag, 24 Sep. 2024

She’s been unable to find paying work and is afraid to go out in public, according to documents filed by her lawyers. —Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 24 Sep. 2024

One of them reportedly identified him as the driver of the Chevy, while two others were unable to make an identification. —Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2024