Unable: meaning, definitions and examples
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unable
[ʌnˈeɪbəl ]
Definitions
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old French 'unable', which derives from the Latin 'unable', meaning incapable.
- It is formed with the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'able', which means having the power or skill to do something.
- This term has been in English usage since the late 14th century, showing its long-standing presence in the language.
Psychology
- Feeling 'unable' can lead to a lack of self-esteem, affecting how individuals perceive their abilities.
- Psychologists often link the inability to act on goals with concepts like self-efficacy, which is the belief in one's own abilities.
- Overcoming feelings of being 'unable' can involve cognitive behavioral techniques to reshape negative thinking.
Literature
- In literature, characters often face dilemmas that make them feel 'unable' to act, adding complexity to their development.
- William Shakespeare's works frequently play on themes of inability, such as in 'Hamlet', where inaction is a central theme.
- Many poems explore the feeling of being 'unable', using it as a metaphor for emotional struggles or existential crises.
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, plots often revolve around characters overcoming their 'unable' moments to achieve personal growth.
- Music frequently taps into the theme of feeling 'unable', with artists expressing heartache or challenges through powerful lyrics.
- Video games often include 'unable' moments where characters must overcome obstacles to progress in their story.
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