Unable: meaning, definitions and examples
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unable
[ ʌnˈeɪbəl ]
feeling
Not able to do something or lacking the necessary skill or qualities.
Synonyms
inadequate, incapable, incompetent, powerless
Examples of usage
- I was unable to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment.
- She was unable to solve the complex math problem.
- They were unable to reach a consensus on the issue.
physical
Not having the ability or strength to perform a physical task.
Synonyms
handicapped, impaired, incapacitated, weak
Examples of usage
- He was unable to lift the heavy box by himself.
- The injured athlete was unable to compete in the race.
- She felt unable to climb the steep hill.
Translations
Translations of the word "unable" in other languages:
🇵🇹 incapaz
🇮🇳 असमर्थ
🇩🇪 unfähig
🇮🇩 tidak mampu
🇺🇦 нездатний
🇵🇱 niezdolny
🇯🇵 できない
🇫🇷 incapable
🇪🇸 incapaz
🇹🇷 yetersiz
🇰🇷 할 수 없는
🇸🇦 غير قادر
🇨🇿 neschopný
🇸🇰 neschopný
🇨🇳 无法
🇸🇮 nezmožen
🇮🇸 ófær
🇰🇿 қабілетсіз
🇬🇪 უუნარო
🇦🇿 qabiliyyətsiz
🇲🇽 incapaz
Word origin
The word 'unable' originated from the Old English word 'unābile', which meant 'not fit or suitable'. Over time, it evolved to its current form in Middle English, retaining the meaning of lacking ability. The prefix 'un-' denotes the negation or reversal of the following word, while 'able' is derived from the Latin 'habilis', meaning 'easily handled or capable'.