Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

unable

adjective
 
 
/ʌnˈeɪ.bl̩/

Definition

be unable to do sth B1 to not be able to do something: We were unable to contact him at the time.Inability and awkwardness
(Definition of unable adjective from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“unable” in other dictionaries

Word of the Day

honest-to-goodness

real or true

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More