adj
unable
uhn-AYBL
adj
1
Not having the ability, power, or means to do something.
"He was unable to attend the meeting because of a flight delay."
"She felt unable to finish the marathon after twisting her ankle."
How to Use Unable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLacking the power, skill, or opportunity to do something.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
unable to attend
unable to speak
feel unable
Word Forms
unabler comparative, more unable comparative, unabled past tense, unables singular, unablest superlative, most unable superlative
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He was _____ to attend the meeting because of a flight delay.
Etymology
From Middle English unable, formed from un- ("not") plus able.