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Definition of Unable - 3 dictionary results

un⋅a⋅ble

  [uhn-ey-buhl]
Use Unable in a Sentence
–adjective
lacking the necessary power, competence, etc., to accomplish some specified act: He was unable to swim.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME; see un- 1 , able

Synonyms:
See incapable.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Unable
un·a·ble   (ŭn-ā'bəl)   
adj.  

  1. Lacking the necessary power, authority, or means; not able; incapable: unable to get to town without a car.

  2. Lacking mental or physical capability or efficiency; incompetent: unable to walk.

  3. Usage Problem Not susceptible to action or treatment: a project unable to be financed with government funds. See Usage Note at able.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

unable  (adj.)
c.1380, from un- (1) "not" + able. Modeled on O.Fr. inhabile or L. inhabilis.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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