Unable — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˌən-ˈā-bəl/ un·able

Meaning & Definition of Unable

Unable (adjective)

  1. not able, incapable
  2. unqualified, incompetent
  3. impotent, helpless

Unable (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lacking qualities (as knowledge, skill, or ability) required to do a job

    "a celebrated author of serious plays, he turned out to be a particularly unable writer of comedies"

    similar: inapt, incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful
    related: ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional, unequipped, unprepared, untrained, useless, worthless, disqualified, ineligible, wanting
    opposite: able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent
    near: prepared, ready, trained, overqualified, accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, virtuoso, all-around, protean, versatile

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Unable

The most common words with a similar meaning to Unable:

inapt, incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled, unskillful

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Unable

Words with the opposite meaning of Unable:

able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled, skillful, ultracompetent

Related Words for Unable

ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, amateurish, callow, dilettantish, green, inexperienced, raw, unprofessional, unequipped, unprepared, untrained, useless, worthless, disqualified, ineligible, wanting

Near Antonyms of Unable

prepared, ready, trained, overqualified, accomplished, ace, adept, consummate, crack, experienced, practiced, seasoned, veteran, virtuoso, all-around, protean, versatile

Origin & Etymology of Unable

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Unable

Frequently Asked Questions about Unable

What does "Unable" mean?

"Unable" means not able, incapable. As an adjective, it is defined as: not able, incapable.

What is another word for "Unable"?

Other words for "Unable" include inapt, incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unfit, unfitted and unqualified. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Unable" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Unable"?

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Unable". Common alternatives include inapt, incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert, unfit, unfitted, unqualified, unskilled and unskillful.

What is the opposite of "Unable"?

Antonyms of "Unable" include able, capable, competent, expert, fit, qualified, skilled and skillful. Near antonyms include prepared, ready, trained and overqualified.

How do you use "Unable" in a sentence?

Examples of "Unable" in a sentence: "a celebrated author of serious plays, he turned out to be a particularly unable writer of comedies".

Is "Unable" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Unable" is an adjective.

Is "Unable" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Unable" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Unable"?

"Unable" is pronounced /ˌən-ˈā-bəl/ and divided into syllables as un·able.