UNABLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does unable mean? 

• UNABLE (adjective)
  The adjective UNABLE has 3 senses:

1. (usually followed by 'to') not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

2. (usually followed by 'to') lacking necessary physical or mental ability

3. lacking in power or forcefulness

  Familiarity information: UNABLE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• UNABLE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(usually followed by 'to') not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

Context example:

unable to obtain funds

Attribute:

ability (the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment)

Antonym:

able ((usually followed by 'to') having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(usually followed by 'to') lacking necessary physical or mental ability

Context example:

the sun was unable to melt enough snow

Similar:

incapable ((followed by 'of') lacking capacity or ability)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Lacking in power or forcefulness

Synonyms:

ineffective; ineffectual; unable

Context example:

like an unable phoenix in hot ashes

Similar:

impotent (lacking power or ability)

 Context examples 

They looked at one another and were unable to reply.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

However, removing the Mthl10 gene makes the flies unable to produce Mthl10 protein and prevents the binding of GBP to cells.

(Defending against environmental stressors may shorten lifespan, National Institutes of Health)

Being unable to sleep in bed, I got up and opened the window.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Glucose uptake is critical for people with diabetes, because their bodies are unable to produce enough insulin, which causes elevated glucose levels in the blood.

(Colored Rice May Brighten the Menu for Diabetics in the Future, U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Previously, scientists had found that laboratory mice lacking functional MDA5 could not detect genetic material from several viruses, making them unable to launch appropriate immune responses against them.

(Scientists discover rare genetic susceptibility to common cold, National Institutes of Health)

In very severe cases, OCD patients are unable to leave their house or flat due to fears of contamination.

(Deep brain stimulation may significantly improve OCD symptoms, University of Cambridge)

Six participants were unable to detect any light, either because their optic nerves had been damaged or their eyes removed due to disease.

(How Light Boosts Migraine Pain, NIH, US)

In speaking of the Harvilles, he seemed unable to satisfy his own sense of their kindness, especially of Mrs Harville's exertions as a nurse.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

Emma looked at her, quite unable to speak.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

This can cause the organs to become stiff and unable to work the way they should.

(Amyloidosis, NIH)