unable
adjective/ʌnˈeɪbl/
/ʌnˈeɪbl/
[not before noun] (rather formal)Word Family
- able adjective (≠ unable)
- ably adverb
- ability noun (≠ inability)
- disabled adjective
- unable to do something not having the skill, strength, time, knowledge, etc. to do something
- a former soldier who has been unable to find work since the war ended
- They have been unable or unwilling to resolve the conflict.
- I was unable to attend the meeting, but sent my apologies.
- Unable to get a taxi, she heads for the bus stop.
- His family were unable to afford the cost of the school uniform.
- The company is losing money and is unable to pay its bills.
- Ageing power stations may be unable to cope with ever-increasing demand for electricity.
- He lay there, unable to move.
- I tried to contact him but was unable to.
- I am afraid I am unable to provide the information you have requested.
- She was unable to hide her excitement.
- Let us know if you’re unable to come.
- The Minister seems unable to grasp this simple point.
- Christine feels unable to confide in her fiancé.
- The accident left him unable to walk.
Extra Examples- He remained silent, unwilling or unable to say what was in his mind.
- He seemed constitutionally unable to keep quiet.
- He was considered unable to cope with the pressure of the job.
- He went on, apparently unable to stop.
- She found herself unable to meet his gaze.
- The road was deemed unable to cope with increased traffic.
- Ben is almost completely paralysed and unable to speak following a stroke.
- The union has been unable to reach an agreement with the company.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverbs- appear
- be
- feel
- …
- completely
- quite
- totally
- …
- unwilling or unable
Check pronunciation:
unable