Unable

Context	Synonyms within Context (source: adapted from Roget's Thesaurus).
Cowardice	Weak-minded; infirm of purpose; weak-hearted, fainthearted, chickenhearted, henhearted, lilyhearted, pigeon-hearted; white-livered, lily-livered, milk-livered; milksop, smock-faced; unable to say " bo " to a goose.
Disrepute	Adjective: disgraced; Verb: blown upon; "shorn of its beams ", shorn of one's glory; overcome, downtrodden; loaded with shame; Noun: in bad repute; Noun: out of repute, out of favor, out of fashion, out of countenance; at a discount; under a cloud, under an eclipse; unable to show one's face; in the shade, in the background; out at elbows, down at the elbows, down in the world.
Impotence	Adjective: powerless, impotent, unable, incapable, incompetent; inefficient, ineffective; inept; unfit, unfitted; unqualified, disqualified; unendowed; inapt, unapt; crippled, disabled; Verb: armless.
Irresolution	Weak, feeble-minded, frail; timid, wimpish, wimpy; cowardly; dough-faced; facile; pliant; (soft); unable to say "no", easy-going
Necessity	Verb: lie under a necessity; befated, be doomed, be destined; in for, under the necessity of; have no choice, have no alternative; be one's fate; n. to be pushed to the wall to be driven into a corner, to be unable to help.
Nonpayment	Adjective: not paying, non-paying, non-performing; in debt; behindhand, in arrear, behind in payments, in arrears; beggared; (poor); unable to make both ends meet, minus; worse than nothing; worthless.
Poverty	In want; Noun: needy, necessitous, distressed, pinched, straitened; put to one's shifts, put to one's last shifts; unable to keep the wolf from the door, unable to make both ends meet; embarrassed, under hatches; involved; (in debt); insolvent; (not paying).
Stammering	Verb: stammer, stutter, hesitate, falter, hammer; balbutiate, balbucinate, haw, hum and haw, be unable to put two words together.
Wonder	Adjective: surprised; Verb: aghast, all agog, breathless, agape; open-mouthed; awestruck, thunderstruck, moonstruck, planet-struck; spellbound; lost in amazement, lost in wonder, lost in astonishment; struck all of a heap, unable to believe one's senses, like a duck ion thunder.
Source: adapted from Roget's Thesaurus.

Modern Usage: Unable

Domain	Usage
Screenplays	What if you were unable to wake from that dream? (The Matrix; writing credit: Andy Wachowski; Larry Wachowski) You flew all the way to Miami because you were unable to have an erection? (Analyze This; writing credit: Peter Tolan, Harold Ramis, and Ken Lonergan.) I'd rather be dead than unable to trust my own eyes! (Batman; writing credit: Bob Kane; Lorenzo Semple Jr.) His questions lead to torment, for he is unable to accept, as the insects do, that life's only purpose is life itself. (The Hellstrom Chronicle; writing credit: David Seltzer) I'm afraid we are unable to show you any more of that letter. (Monty Python's Flying Circus; writing credit: Douglas Adams; Graham Chapman)
Lyrics	He could see she was unable (Smooth Criminal; performing artist: Alien Ant Farm) And soon if we're lucky we'd be unable to tell (Run-Around; performing artist: Blues Traveler) I'm getting weary, unable to ride ("El Paso"; performing artist: Marty Robbins) Embarrassing position of being unable to do your child's arithmetic homework (New Math; performing artist: Tom Lehrer) But I've been unable (You're A God; performing artist: Vertical Horizon)
Movie/TV Titles	Willing But Unable Ready (1941)
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Commercial Usage: Unable

Photo Album: Unable

Thumbnail	Description & Credit	Thumbnail	Description & Credit
	A blocked flea, i.e. dark spots in stomach, is unable to ingest its blood meal because of a mass of bacteria within the proventriculus, preventing passage of food from the esophagus to the stomach. Credit: CDC.		Slide shows unblocked anterior portion of the digestive track of X. cheopis. A blocked flea is unable to ingest its blood meal because a mass of bacteria is preventing passage of blood from the esophagus to the stomach. Credit: CDC.
	A Bombing Squadron Three (VB-3) SBD-3 scout bomber, probably flown by Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Paul A. Holmberg, ditches near USS Astoria (CA-34) at about 1342 hrs on 4 June 1942. This was one of two VB-3 planes that ditched near Astoria after they were unable to land on the damaged USS Yorktown (CV-5). A PBY is flying nearby, in right center. Credit: NAVY.		Off Truk with nine aviators on board, awaiting rescue by USS Tang (SS-306), 1 May 1944. The plane had landed inside Truk lagoon to recover downed airmen. Unable to take off with such a load, it then taxiied out to Tang, which was serving as lifeguard submarine during the 29 April-1 May carrier strikes on Truk. Credit: NAVY.
	The merchant was unable to think of excuses fast enough. Credit: Library of Congress.		Unable to withdraw her attention from the kneeling figure. Credit: Library of Congress.
	Drive begins to bar U.S. Communist party from state ballots. (News item) Scientists still unable to explain elephants' pathological dread of mice (News item). Credit: Library of Congress.		Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. A jeep which is unable to proceed along the jungle road which has been made impassable by rain. Credit: Library of Congress.
	General view of the crowds unable to gain admittance to see Paul Robeson, at the Golden Gate Hall, 142nd Street and Lenox Avenue, New York City. Credit: Library of Congress.		Old miner living in company house, rent free. He was injured while working in the mines several years ago, has been unable to work since. Company provides him free housing, and he lives on here, depending mainly on neighbors for food. Kempton, West Virgin. Credit: Library of Congress.
Source: pictures compiled by the editor from various references; see picture credits.

Familiar Quotations: Unable

Historic Usage: Unable

Author	Date	Quotation
Magna Carta	1215	Further, in all matters, the execution of which is entrusted,to these twenty five barons, if perchance these twenty five are present and disagree about anything, or if some of them, after being summoned, are unwilling or unable to be present, that which the majority of those present ordain or command shall be held as fixed and established, exactly as if the whole twenty five had concurred in this; and the said twenty five shall swear that they will faithfully observe all that is aforesaid, and cause it to be observed with all their might. (reference)
Amendment to US Constitution	1795-2000	If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office. (reference)
Treaty of Versailles	1919	Should one of the members of the Tribunal either die, retire, or be unable for any reason whatever to discharge his function, the same procedure will be followed for filling the vacancy as was followed for appointing him. (reference)
Source: compiled by the editor from various references.

Use in Literature: Unable

Non-Fiction Usage: Unable

Subject	Topic	Quote
Health		The child becomes blind, deaf, and unable to swallow. (references)
		Their lungs are therefore unable to perform gas exchange. (references)
		The patient is unable to walk. Symptoms vary among patients. (references)
Business		Many Mexican companies are unwilling or unable to provide them. (references)
		Industry officials were unable to estimate the size of that market. (references)
		Local production was unable to meet demand, spurring an increase in imports. (references)
Children	Angola	Private religious, community, or corporate groups have been unable to fill this vacuum. (references)
	Sri Lanka	Most persons with disabilities, who are unable to work, are cared for by their families. (references)
	Zimbabwe	If a family is unable to pay tuition costs, it is most often female children who leave school. (references)
Civil Liberties	Vietnam	He is unable to receive visitors or phone calls. (references)
	Equatorial Guinea	Persons identified with the PP are unable to find employment. (references)
	Ethiopia	He remained in detention because he was unable to post bail of $1,300 (11,000 birr). (references)
Discrimination	Vietnam	Some military veterans of the pre-l975 government still face economic hardship as a result of past employment restrictions and discrimination, but none are known still to be incarcerated for their activities before 1975. These veterans and their families generally are unable to obtain employment with the Government. (references)
Economic History	St. Kitts and Nevis	The PAM party was unable to obtain a seat. (references)
	Czech Republic	Federalists, like Havel, were unable to contain the trend toward the split. (references)
Human Rights	Bangladesh	After six hours of detention, she was unable to walk. (references)
	Venezuela	Those who are unable to pay often are forced to forgo their hearings. (references)
	Colombia	State security forces were unable to reestablish control for 17 hours. (references)
Indigenous People	Brazil	FUNAI also has been unable to provide mandated health care and other basic services. (references)
Minorities	Pakistan	Today many are unable to rise above mid-level ranks. (references)
	Slovak Republic	The police closed the case because they were unable to locate the suspects. (references)
Political Economy	Afghanistan	Citizens remained unable to change their government or choose their leaders peacefully. (references)
	Jordan	Many families, especially those in rural areas, are unable to meet basic needs to subsist. (references)
	SINGAPORE	However, QFBs remain limited to 15 locations (branches or ATMs) and are unable to access the local ATM network. (references)
Political Rights	Madagascar	Some voters were unable to obtain the special documents that would have permitted them to vote. (references)
	Moldova	If Parliament, after multiple votes, proves unable to elect a candidate, the sitting President may dissolve Parliament. (references)
	Seychelles	The opposition parties have been unable to match the SPPF's organization and patronage, in part because of financial limitations. (references)
Trade	Burma	Workers are unable to organize, negotiate or in any other way exercise control over their working conditions. (references)
	Romania	Contracts should stipulate interest payments in case the importers are unable to meet their obligations on time. (references)
	Ghana	The formal banking institutions have been unable to provide the needed intermediation between savers and investors. (references)
Travel	Brazil	US Commercial or Consular officers are unable to secure relief for anyone arriving without a valid visa. (references)
	Bangladesh	Should a business traveler be unable to arrange for a visa in advance, immigration officials at Zia International Airport in Dhaka are authorized to issue limited validity visas for up to 90 days for a $45 fee. (references)
	Vietnam	To take the Central Government as an example, the lead ministry on a given issue may be unable to advance its positions if other ministries with seemingly minor involvement in the decision oppose it. Unless the latter can be won over, the result is a stalemate. (references)
Women	Hungary	NGO's claimed that the police were unable to assist victims in one-third of the reported cases. (references)
	Barbados	However, Barbadian women married to non- Barbadian men were unable to confer citizenship on their children. (references)
	Cameroon	When a married man dies, his widow often is unable to collect any inheritance, since she herself is considered part of the man's property. (references)
Worker Rights	Korea	Many such women, unable to speak Chinese, are held as virtual prisoners. (references)
	Cyprus	If the Ministry is unable to resolve the dispute, the union may call a strike to support its demands. (references)
	Burma	Households that are unable to provide labor are forced to pay $0.75 to $6.75 (300 Kyat to 2,700 Kyat) per household. (references)
Lexicography	Devil's Dictionary	RESIDENT, adj. Unable to leave.
Source: compiled by the editor from ICON Group International, Inc.; see credits.

Spoken Usage: Unable

Speeches: Unable

Usage Frequency: Unable

Expressions: Unable

Frequency of Internet Keywords: Unable

Modern Translation: Unable

Language		Translations for "unable"; alternative meanings/domain in parentheses.
Albanian		i pazoti (helpless, inapt, inartful, incapable, incompetent, washed up), i paaftë (bumbling, disabled, guiltless, helpless, impaired, impotent, inapt, incapable, incompetent, inefficient, inept, muff, spado, unskilful, weak). (various references)

Arabic		‏غير قادر (incapable, unequal), ‏عاجز (decrepit, disabled, effete, feckless, helpless, incapable, incompetent, ineffective, inert, infirm, invalid, paralysed, paralyzed, poor, powerless). (various references)

Bulgarian		слаб (defective, dim, effeminate, faint, feeble, flabby, flaccid, flat, flimsy, impotent, irretentive, lame, lean, light, limp, liny, low, meager, meagre, mean, mild, nerveless, off, pale, poor, puny, queasy, rickety, scanty, scrannel, sick, sinewless, slack, sleazy, slender, slight, slim, slow, sluggish, small, soft, spare, spineless, tender, tenuous, thin, thready, washy, watery, weak, weakish, weakly), немощен (bedridden, decrepit, doddered, faint, frail, infirm, shaky), безпомощен (feckless, helpless, lost, shiftless, silly, stranded). (various references)

Chinese		無法 (incapable), � 法. (various references)

Czech		neschopný (bungling, disabled, inadequate, inapt, incapable, incompetent, ineffective, inefficient, powerless, shiftless, unfit, unworthy, useless). (various references)

Danish		unable. (various references)

Dutch		niet rijdbaar (bad order, unable to run, unsuitable for running), niet loopbaar (bad order, unable to run, unsuitable for running), niet in staat zýn (be unable), arbeidsongeschikt (disabled, unfit for work). (various references)

Esperanto		ne kapabli (be unable). (various references)

Farsi		ناتوان (Impotent, Incapable, Infirm, Invalid), عاجز (Cripple, Determinant, Incapable, Septum). (various references)

Finnish		en pysty noudattamaan. (various references)

French		pas capable, incapable, impuissant. (various references)

German		untauglich (disabled, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectively, ineffectual, ineligible, unapt, unfit, unfitted, unsuitable), unfähig (bungling, impotent, impotently, incapable, incapably, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectively, inefficient, unfit), außerstande (incapable). (various references)

Greek		ανίκανοσ (duffer, helpless, impotent, incapable, incompetent, inefficient, shiftless, unfit), αδύνατων, αδυνατώ (be unable to, not be able to). (various references)

Hebrew		� ע�"ר יכולת (incapable). (various references)

Hungarian		képtelen (absurd, impassible, impossible, nonsensical, ridiculous). (various references)

Indonesian		tak sanggup, tak dapat (can not). (various references)

Inuktitut		ajuqtuq (to be unable). (various references)

Italian		incapace (disabled, dud, inapt, incapable, incapable person, incompetent, ineffective, inefficient, maladjusted, shiftless, unfit, useless), inadatto (inappropriate, inapt, incapable, maladjusted, misbecoming, undue, unfit, unsuitable). (various references)

Japanese Kanji		敵わない (can't do, no match for, unbearable). (various references)

Japanese Katakana		かなわない (be beyond one's power, be unable, can't do, no match for, unbearable). (various references)

Korean		� 수 없�". (various references)

Manx		neuabyl (inapt), gyn niart, gyn fort. (various references)

Pig Latin		ableunay

Portuguese		incompetente (incompetent, unfit, unqualified), incapaz (disabled, effete, forceless, impotent, impoverished, inapt, incapable, incompetent, ineffective, inefficient, inept, insusceptible, powerless, unapt, unfit, unsusceptible), impossibilitado. (various references)

Romanian		incapabil (effete, feckless, impotent, incapable, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, insufficient, shiftless, unapt, unequal, unfit). (various references)

Russian		неспособный (incapable, incompetent, inefficient, unapt). (various references)

Serbo-Croatian		nesposoban (incapable, incapacious, incompetent, ineffective, ineffectual, unfit), nemoćan (feckless, feeble, infirm, powerless, sick, weak). (various references)

Spanish		incapaz (helpless, incapable, inefficient, lame, lame brain, unfit). (various references)

Swedish		oförmögen (incapable), förhindrad (inhibited). (various references)

Turkish		yapamıyacak durumda, gücü yetmez, elinden gelmez (incapable, incapable of doing, resourceless), aciz (cheap, feckless, helpless, impotent, incapable, ineffectual, powerless, weak). (various references)

Ukrainian		немічний (infirm), нездатний (incapable, inefficient, unfit). (various references)

Vietnamese		không có năng lực, không có khả năng (inefficient). (various references)

Welsh		analluog (incapable). (various references)
Source: compiled by the editor from various translation references.

Bible Trace: Unable

Language	Date	Source	John Chapter 3, Verse 8
Greek (transliterated)	250 BC	Septuagint	To pneuma opou qelei pnei kai thn fwnhn autou akoueiV all ouk oidaV poqen ercetai kai pou upagei outwV estin paV o gegennhmenoV ek tou pneumatoV
Latin	405	Vulgate	Spiritus ubi vult spirat et vocem eius audis sed non scis unde veniat et quo vadat sic est omnis qui natus est ex Spiritu
Old English	990	West Saxon	Gast or-eðað þær he wile. & þu ge-hyrsthys stefne. & þu nast hwanen hecymð. ne hwyder he geð. swa ys ælc þeakenned is of gaste.
Middle English	1395	Wyclif	The spirit brethith where he wole, and thou herist his vois, but thou wost not, fro whennus he cometh, ne whidir he goith; so is ech man that is borun of the spirit.
Renaissance English	1526	Tyndale	The wynde bloweth where he listeth and thou hearest his sounde: but canst not tell whence he cometh and whether he goeth. So is every man that is boren of the sprete.
Jacobean English	1611	King James	The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Victorian English	1833	Webster	The wind bloweth where it will, and thou hearest the sound of it, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Basic English	1964	Ogden	The wind goes where its pleasure takes it, and the sound of it comes to your ears, but you are unable to say where it comes from and where it goes: so it is with everyone whose birth is from the Spirit.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Matched Bible Translations: Unable

Language	John Chapter 3, Verse 8
Cebuano	Ang hangin bitaw mohuros man ngadto sa buot niyang padulngan, ug mabati mo ang iyang tingog; ngani dili nimo mahibaloan diin siya gikan o asa siya padulong. Maingon usab niana ang tanan nga gianak sa Espiritu."
Croatian	Vjetar puše gdje hoæe; èuješ mu šum, a ne znaš odakle dolazi i kamo ide. Tako je sa svakim koji je roðen od Duha."
Danish	Vinden blæser, hvorhen den vil, og du hører dens Susen, men du ved ikke, hvorfra den kommer, og hvor den farer hen; således er det med hver den, som er født af Ånden."
Dutch	De wind blaast, waarheen hij wil, en gij hoort zijn geluid; maar gij weet niet, van waar hij komt, en waar hij heen gaat; alzo is een iegelijk, die uit den Geest geboren is.
Finnish	Tuuli puhaltaa, missä tahtoo, ja sinä kuulet sen huminan, mutta et tiedä, mistä se tulee ja minne se menee; niin on jokaisen, joka on Hengestä syntynyt."
German	Der Wind bläst, wo er will, und du hörst sein Sausen wohl; aber du weißt nicht, woher er kommt und wohin er fährt. Also ist ein jeglicher, der aus dem Geist geboren ist.
Hungarian	A szél fú, a hová akar, és annak zúgását hallod, de nem tudod honnan jõ és hová megy: így van mindenki, a ki Lélektõl született.
Indonesian-Bahasa Sehari-hari	Angin bertiup ke mana ia mau; kita mendengar bunyinya, tetapi tidak tahu dari mana datangnya dan ke mana perginya. Begitu juga dengan orang yang dilahirkan oleh Roh Allah."
Indonesian-Terjemahan Lama	Angin bertiup barang ke mana dikehendakinya, dan engkau mendengar bunyi derunya, tetapi tiada engkau tahu dari mana datangnya dan ke mana perginya. Demikianlah hal tiap-tiap orang, yang jadi daripada Roh itu."
Italian	Il vento soffia dove vuole e ne senti la voce, ma non sai di dove viene e dove va: così è di chiunque è nato dallo Spirito».
Latvian	Gars dveð, kur gribçdams, un tu dzirdi tâ balsi, bet nezini, no kurienes tas nâk un kurp aiziet. Tâ ir ar katru, kas piedzimis no Gara.
Maori	E pupuhi ana te hau ki tana wahi e pai ai, ka rongo hoki koe ki tona haruru, otiia e kore e mohiotia e koe te wahi i puta mai ai, e tae atu ai ranei: ko te ritenga tenei ki te hunga katoa ka whanau i te Wairua.
Norwegian	Vinden blåser dit den vil, og du hører den suser; men du vet ikke hvor den kommer fra, og hvor den farer hen; således er det med hver den som er født av Ånden.
Portuguese	O vento sopra onde quer, e ouves a sua voz; mas não sabes donde vem, nem para onde vai; assim é todo aquele que é nascido do Espírito.
Rumanian	Vkntul suflq kncotro vrea, wi -i auzi vuietul; dar nu wtii de unde vine, nici kncotro merge. Tot awa este cu oricine este nqscut din Duhul.``
Russian	дХИ �"ЩЫЙФ, З�"Е ИПЮЕФ, Й ЗПМПУ ЕЗП УМЩЫЙЫШ, Б ОЕ ЪОБЕЫШ, ПФЛХ�"Б � ТЙИП�"ЙФ Й ЛХ�"Б ХИП�"ЙФ: ФБЛ �'ЩЧБЕФ УП ЧУСЛЙН, ТПЦ�"ЕООЩН ПФ дХИБ.
Shuar	Nase Enentáimpratá. Nase Nánkamsan Umpúawai. Amesha ántame tura tuyan Winiá Túrasha tuin weti nékatsme. Núniskete Ashí Wakanniúmia akiinia nu."
Swahili	Upepo huvuma kuelekea upendako; waisikia sauti yake, lakini hujui unakotoka wala unakokwenda. Ndivyo ilivyo kwa mtu aliyezaliwa kwa Roho."
Swedish	Vinden blåser vart den vill, och du hör dess sus, men du vet icke varifrån den kommer, eller vart den far; så är det med var och en som är född av Anden*."
Uma	Rapa' -na ngolu', mewui hiapa kalaua-na. Wule' sere-na ta'epe, uma ta'incai kangkaiapa-na ba hilou hiapa-i. Wae wo'o hante tauna to putu ngkai baraka' Inoha' Alata'ala."
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Derivations & Misspellings: Unable

Rhyming with "Unable"

# of Phoneme Matches	Pronunciation	Word(s) rhyming with "unable" (pronounced unā"bul)
5	-n ā" b u l	enable.
4	-ā" b u l	able, cable, disable, fable, gable, label, mislabel, relabel, sable, Stabile, stable, table, unstable.
3	-b u l	abominable, acceptable, accessible, accountable, achievable, actionable, adaptable, addressable, adjustable, admirable, admissible, adoptable, adorable, advisable, affable, affordable, agreeable, allowable, amble, amenable, amendable, amiable, amicable, analyzable, answerable, appealable, applicable, appreciable, approachable, approvable, arable, arguable, assemble, attainable, attributable, audible, available, avoidable, babble, Babel, bankable, bauble, bearable, believable, bible, billable, biodegradable, bramble, breakable, bubble, buildable, Bumble, burnable, callable, cannibal, capable, changeable, chargeable, charitable, classifiable, cobble, coble, collapsible, collectible, Combinable, comfortable, commendable, communicable, comparable, compatible, compensable, comprehensible, conceivable, confirmable, considerable, constable, consumable, contemptible, contestable, controllable, convertible, copyrightable, corbel, countable, credible, creditable, crucible, crumble, culpable, curable, cymbal, dabble, debatable, deductible, defensible, definable, degradable, delectable, deliverable, demonstrable, dependable, deplorable, deployable, depreciable, describable, desirable, despicable, detachable, detectable, determinable, developable, Dibble, digestible, disagreeable, disassemble, discernible, discountable, discoverable, dishonorable, dispensable, disposable, disreputable, dissemble, distinguishable, divisible, doable, double, Drabble, dribble, drinkable, drivable, durable, eatable, edible, electable, eligible, Embraceable, employable, enfeeble, enforceable, enjoyable, ennoble, ensemble, enviable, equable, equitable, erasable, erodible, estimable, exchangeable, excitable, excludable, excusable, execrable, exercisable, expandable, expendable, explainable, exportable, extendable, extendible, fallible, fashionable, fathomable, favorable, feasible, feeble, fissionable, fixable, flammable, flexible, foible, forcible, foreseeable, forfeitable, forgettable, forgivable, formidable, fumble, fungible, fusible, gamble, Garble, global, gobble, Gribble, grumble, gullible, habitable, hardscrabble, harvestable, herbal, heritable, hobble, hon, honorable, horrible, hospitable, humble, identifiable, ignoble, illegible, imaginable, imitable, immeasurable, immiscible, immobile, immovable, immutable, impassable, impeachable, impeccable, impenetrable, imperceptible, impermissible, implacable, implantable, implausible, imponderable, impossible, impracticable, impregnable, impressionable, improbable, inaccessible, inadmissible, inadvisable, inalienable, inapplicable, inaudible, incalculable, incapable, incomparable, incompatible, incomprehensible, incompressible, inconceivable, incontrovertible, incorrigible, incredible, incurable, indefatigable, indefensible, indefinable, indelible, indescribable, indestructible, indispensable, indisputable, indistinguishable, indivisible, indomitable, inedible, ineffable, ineligible, inequitable, inescapable, inevitable, inexcusable, inexhaustible, inexorable, inexplicable, infallible, infeasible, inflammable, inflatable, inflexible, inheritable, inhospitable, inimitable, injectable, innumerable, inoperable, insatiable, inscrutable, inseparable, insoluble, insufferable, insupportable, insurmountable, intangible, intelligible, interchangeable, interminable, interruptible, intertribal, intolerable, intractable, invaluable, investable, invincible, inviolable, invisible, invulnerable, irascible, irreconcilable, irrefutable, irremediable, irreparable, irreplaceable, irrepressible, irresistible, irresponsible, irreversible, irrevocable, irritable, issuable, jumble, justifiable, kibble, knowledgeable, lamentable, laudable, laughable, leasable, legible, liable, libel, likable, likeable, livable, lovable, malleable, manageable, mandible, maneuverable, marble, marketable, measurable, memorable, microwavable, miscible, miserable, mobile, moldable, movable, mumble, navigable, negligible, negotiable, nibble, nimble, noble, noncallable, nonconvertible, nondeductible, nondurable, nonrefundable, nonrenewable, nontaxable, nontransferable, nonverbal, notable, noticeable, objectionable, observable, obtainable, operable, ostensible, palatable, palpable, parable, passable, patentable, payable, peaceable, pebble, perceptible, perishable, permeable, permissible, personable, persuadable, pitiable, plausible, pleasurable, pliable, portable, possible, potable, practicable, preamble, predictable, preferable, presentable, preventable, printable, probable, profitable, programmable, prosecutable, provable, psychobabble, punishable, questionable, quibble, quotable, rabble, ramble, reachable, readable, realizable, reasonable, reassemble, rebel, receivable, rechargeable, recognizable, recordable, recoverable, recyclable, redeemable, redouble, redoubtable, reducible, refundable, regrettable, reliable, remarkable, removable, renewable, rentable, repairable, repayable, repeatable, replaceable, reportable, reprehensible, reputable, resealable, resemble, resettable, respectable, responsible, retractable, returnable, reusable, reversible, revocable, ridable, Roble, rouble, roundtable, rubble, Ruble, rumble, salable, saleable, salvageable, Scrabble, scramble, scribble, seasonable, sensible, serviceable, shamble, Sibyl, sizable, sizeable, sociable, soluble, solvable, spendable, squabble, stubble, stumble, submersible, suggestible, suitable, supportable, survivable, susceptible, sustainable, syllable, symbol, talkable, tangible, taxable, teachable, tenable, terrible, thimble, timetable, tolerable, traceable, tractable, tradable, tradeable, trainable, transferable, transferrable, transmittable, transportable, treatable, treble, tremble, tribal, trouble, tubal, tumble, tunable, turntable, typeable, umbel, unacceptable, unaccountable, unaffordable, unalienable, unalterable, unanswerable, unassailable, unattainable, unavailable, unavoidable, unbearable, unbeatable, unbelievable, unbuildable, uncollectible, uncomfortable, unconscionable, uncontrollable, undeniable, understandable, undesirable, undetectable, unelectable, unemployable, unenforceable, unenviable, unexplainable, unfashionable, unfathomable, unfavorable, unfeasible, unflappable, unforeseeable, unforgettable, unforgivable, ungovernable, unimaginable, unimpeachable, uninhabitable, uninsurable, unintelligible, unjustifiable, unknowable, unlivable, unmanageable, unmentionable, unmistakable, unobtainable, unpalatable, unpredictable, unprintable, unprofitable, unquestionable, unreachable, unreadable, unreasonable, unrecognizable, unreliable, unremarkable, unsalable, unscramble, unserviceable, unshakable, unsinkable, unsolvable, unspeakable, unstoppable, unsuitable, unsupportable, unsustainable, untenable, unthinkable, untouchable, untraceable, unusable, unverifiable, unwinnable, unworkable, usable, valuable, variable, vegetable, venerable, verbal, verifiable, veritable, viable, visible, voluble, vulnerable, wamble, washable, wearable, winnable, wobble, workable.
Source: compiled by the editor (additional references); see credits.

Anagrams: Unable

Scrabble® Enable2K-Verified Anagrams
	Direct Anagrams: nebula.
	Words within the letters "a-b-e-l-n-u"
	-1 letter: ulnae.
	-2 letters: able, bale, bane, bean, beau, blae, blue, elan, lane, lean, lube, luna, lune, nabe, ulan, ulna, unbe.
	-3 letters: alb, ale, ane, bal, ban, bel, ben, bun, eau, lab, lea, leu, nab, nae, neb, nub.
	-4 letters: ab, ae, al, an, ba, be, el, en, la, na, ne, nu, un.
	Words containing the letters "a-b-e-l-n-u"
	+1 letter: abluent, albumen, baneful, nebulae, nebular, nebulas, tunable.
	+2 letters: abluents, albumens, baculine, bluesman, bubaline, burnable, huntable, prunable, ruinable, subpanel, tuneable, tuneably, turnable, unblamed, undoable, unstable, unusable, unviable, urbanely.
	+3 letters: ambulance, banefully, belauding, bluejeans, burnables, carbuncle, countable, endurable, endurably, inaudible, incunable, incurable, insurable, jubilance, lumberman, mountable, numerable, penumbral, soundable, subalpine, subaltern, subpanels, tenurable, turntable, unactable, unamiable, unbalance, uneatable, unflyable, unifiable, unlabeled, unlikable, unlivable, unlovable, unmixable, unmovable, unridable, unsalable, unsayable, unstabler, untamable, untenable.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro.

Domain	Definition
Post & Telecom	In aviation radio terminology, an expression indicating that the pilot is unable to comply with an instruction or clearance. Source: European Union. (references)
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Domain	Title
Books	Legal aid in the United States; a study of the availability of lawyers' services for persons unable to pay fees, with supplement (reference) Mid-Victorian masterpiece : the story of an institution unable to put its own house in order (reference) Unable by Reason of Death (reference) (more book examples)

Music	The State of Being Unable to [IMPORT] (reference) (more classical music examples; more popular music examples)
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Author	Quotation
Blaise Pascal	I have discovered that all human evil comes from this, man's being unable to sit still and quiet in a room alone.
Francois De La Rochefoucauld	How can we accept another to keep our secret if we have been unable to keep it ourselves.
Thomas Carlyle	A man willing to work, and unable to find work, is perhaps the saddest sight that fortune's inequality exhibits under this sun.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references.

Title	Author	Quote
Emma	Austen, Jane	Emma looked at her, quite unable to speak.
Les Miserables	Hugo, Victor	In our day, the champions of the Past, unable to deny these things, have adopted the alternative of smiling at them.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references.

Speaker	Phrase(s)
Rush Limbaugh	Ashcroft's problem is that the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the FBI have been unable to effectively track aliens who have violated their visas, have criminal records, or have links to terrorist networks.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Speaker	Term	Phrase(s)
Andrew Jackson	1829-1837	How long the personal causes which have heretofore retarded that ultimately inevitable measure will continue to operate I am unable to conjecture.
Harry S. Truman	1945-1953	Communism is based on the belief that man is so weak and inadequate that he is unable to govern himself, and therefore requires the rule of strong masters.
John F. Kennedy	1961-1963	One third of our most promising high school graduates are financially unable to continue the development of their talents.
Lyndon B. Johnson	1963-1969	We have brought medical care to older people who were unable to afford it.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references.

Parts of Speech	Percent	Usage per 100 Million Words	Rank in English
Adjective (general or positive)	100%	6,352	1,530

Expression	Frequency per Day	Expression	Frequency per Day
unable	154	component download required setup unable	5
add from program remove remove unable	28	delete file unable	5
unable browse network	22	connection find free server unable	5
communication deliver due failure message unable	11	because dns dsa failure lookup operation proceed unable	5
5.7.1 550 relay unable	10	human light make many milky pollution thanks unable way worldwide	5
class compile jsp org.apache.jasper.jasperexception unable	10	browser browser from list master retrieve server unable	5
attribute context context initialize query redirector security unable	10	access connect denied unable	5
dns format interpret server unable	9	load missing unable vmm32.vxd	5
bind destination dns in server unable	9	unable to lose weight	5
appropriate decompressor download error unable	8	ejaculate unable	5
debugging server start unable web	8	battle.net connect unable	5
unable urinate	8	0 code error initialize interface socket unable window	5
80040200 appropriate decompressor download error unable	7	excel file read unable	4
get inbox owa unable	7	check complete disk unable window	4
busy data free public unable update	6	relay unable	4
file from get project server unable web	6	dialog open unable	4
appropriate decompressor download unable	6	orgasm unable	4
error file footer read unable	6	98 browse network unable window	4
install installshield runtime scripting unable	6	allocate because empty from paged pool pool server system unable	4
initialize interface socket unable window	5	dialog display selection unable user	4
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

Derivations
	Words ending with "unable": incunable, prunable, tunable. (additional references)
	Words containing "unable": incunables, tunableness, tunablenesses. (additional references)
Misspellings
	"Unable" is suggested in spellcheckers for the following: Funabem, Kunale, nabel, Onambwe, Quanabie, runnable, Uanle, Ucabel, unal, unbane, unbase. (additional references)
Source: compiled by the editor, based on several corpora (additional references).

Unable

Definition: Unable

Unable

Adjective

Specialty Definition: Unable

Synonyms: Unable

Synonyms within Context: Unable

Cowardice

Disrepute

Impotence

Irresolution

Necessity

Nonpayment

Poverty

Stammering

Wonder

Crosswords: Unable

Modern Usage: Unable

Screenplays

Lyrics

Movie/TV Titles

Commercial Usage: Unable

Books

Music

Photo Album: Unable

Familiar Quotations: Unable

Blaise Pascal

Francois De La Rochefoucauld

Thomas Carlyle

Historic Usage: Unable

Magna Carta

Amendment to US Constitution

Treaty of Versailles

Use in Literature: Unable

Emma

Austen, Jane

Les Miserables

Hugo, Victor

Non-Fiction Usage: Unable

Lexicography

Devil's Dictionary

Spoken Usage: Unable

Rush Limbaugh

Speeches: Unable

Andrew Jackson

Harry S. Truman

John F. Kennedy

Lyndon B. Johnson

Usage Frequency: Unable

Expressions: Unable

Frequency of Internet Keywords: Unable

Modern Translation: Unable

Albanian

Arabic

Bulgarian

Chinese

Czech

Danish

Dutch

Esperanto

Farsi