cannot
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for cannot, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — Unable to; not able to.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use cannot
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English can not, cannot, cannouȝt, etc. (compare Old English ne cann), equivalent to can + not.
Full origin of cannot →Frequently asked questions
What does “cannot” mean?
The word “cannot” means unable to; not able to. In plain terms, the negative form of "can" — either being unable to do something or not being allowed to.
How do you pronounce “cannot”?
“Cannot” is pronounced KA-not (/ˈkænɒt/ in IPA).
How do you use “cannot” in a sentence?
Here is “cannot” used in a sentence: “I cannot attend the meeting on Friday.”
What is another word for “cannot”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cannot” include can't.
What part of speech is “cannot”?
“Cannot” is a verb.
Is “cannot” a common word?
“Cannot” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cannot” have?
“Cannot” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to; not able to.
What is the difference between 'cannot' and 'can't'?
'Cannot' and 'can't' mean exactly the same thing, and both express inability. The only difference is register: 'cannot' is the full, more formal written form, while 'can't' is the contraction used in everyday speech and casual writing. In formal essays or official documents, 'cannot' is generally preferred over the contraction.
Is 'cannot' one word or two?
In modern standard English, 'cannot' is written as one word. The two-word form 'can not' is rare and reserved for special cases, such as adding emphasis or in constructions like 'you can not only sing but also dance.' For ordinary negation, always choose the single word 'cannot.'
What is the difference between 'cannot' and 'may not'?
'Cannot' expresses inability, meaning you lack the power, skill, or possibility to do something. 'May not' usually expresses prohibition or lack of permission, or sometimes uncertainty. 'I cannot swim' means you're unable; 'you may not swim here' means it isn't allowed. In casual speech, though, the two often blur together.