Unable

Pronunciation: /ʌnˈeɪbəl/

Definitions of unable

adjective describing a person or thing that lacks the ability or skill to do something

Example Sentences

A1 I am unable to speak Spanish.

A2 She was unable to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment.

B1 The machine was unable to process the large file size.

B2 Despite her best efforts, she was unable to solve the complex math problem.

C1 The company was unable to meet its quarterly financial targets.

C2 The team was unable to secure funding for their ambitious project.

Examples of unable in a Sentence

formal Despite multiple attempts, the team was unable to meet the project deadline.

informal I was unable to reach the customer service representative on the phone.

slang I'm sorry, I was unable to make it to the party last night.

figurative His fear was like a heavy weight on his chest, leaving him unable to move.

Grammatical Forms of unable

• past tense: was unable
• plural: unables
• comparative: more unable
• superlative: most unable
• present tense: am unable
• future tense: will be unable
• perfect tense: have been unable
• continuous tense: is being unable
• singular: unable
• positive degree: able
• infinitive: to be unable
• gerund: being unable
• participle: unable

Origin and Evolution of unable

First Known Use: 0014 year

Language of Origin: Old French and Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'unable' originated from the Old French word 'unable' which was derived from the Latin word 'inabilis' meaning 'not able'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'unable' has retained its original meaning of lacking the ability to do something, but has also evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts and situations where someone may be incapable or unqualified.