- not able; lacking the ability, means, or power to do something
- incompetent
- helpless; feeble
This airplane is unable to fly.
The definition of unable is a person or thing that doesn't have the ability, power or authority to do something.
An example of unable is someone not being qualified to fly a plane.
YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2018 by LoveToKnow Corp
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"unable." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 24 June 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Unable>.
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unable. (n.d.). Retrieved June 24th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Unable
unable
Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fifth Edition Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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MLA Style
"unable." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 24 June 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Unable>.
APA Style
unable. (n.d.). Retrieved June 24th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Unable
unable
adjective
- Lacking the necessary power, authority, or means; not able; incapable: unable to get to town without a car.
- Lacking mental or physical capability or efficiency; incompetent: unable to walk.
- Usage Problem Not susceptible to action or treatment: a project unable to be financed with government funds. See Usage Note at able.
THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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Cite this page
MLA Style
"unable." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 24 June 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Unable>.
APA Style
unable. (n.d.). Retrieved June 24th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Unable
English Wiktionary. Available under CC-BY-SA license.
Link to this page
Cite this page
MLA Style
"unable." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 24 June 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/Unable>.
APA Style
unable. (n.d.). Retrieved June 24th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/Unable
Sentence Examples
- She fluffed the pillow and changed position, unable to sleep.
- We both looked at her intently, unable to respond.
- She clung to him, unable to trust her voice or thoughts.
- "I'm pretty sure he gets the picture," Damian said, unable to help his amusement.
- He gave her a light kiss, unable to resist.
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