Dictionary monolingual
English
Unable
ˌənˈeɪbəl
Very common
~ 1500
~ 1500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Unable -
Not having the ability or skill to do something
Example: She was unable to attend the meeting due to a prior commitment.
Usage: formalContext: professional settings, academic writing
Note: Often used in formal contexts to indicate a lack of capability or capacity to perform a specific action.
Lacking the necessary means or resources to accomplish a task
Example: The team was unable to complete the project on time without additional funding.
Usage: formalContext: business, project management
Note: This usage implies a limitation or constraint due to a lack of resources or support.
Being prohibited or not allowed to do something
Example: I am unable to disclose that information without proper authorization.
Usage: formalContext: legal, confidential matters
Note: Commonly used in situations where revealing information or taking action is restricted by rules or regulations.
Incapable of functioning properly or as intended
Example: The printer is unable to connect to the network at the moment.
Usage: formalContext: technical support, troubleshooting
Note: Used in technical contexts to indicate a malfunction or failure to operate correctly.
Unable's synonyms
incapable
Incapable means lacking the necessary ability, qualification, or strength to do something.
Example: She felt incapable of completing the task on her own.
Note: While 'unable' focuses on the lack of ability to do something, 'incapable' emphasizes the inherent lack of ability or qualification.
incompetent
Incompetent refers to a lack of skill or ability to perform a task effectively.
Example: The new employee was deemed incompetent in handling customer complaints.
Note: Unlike 'unable,' which generally refers to a lack of capability in a specific instance, 'incompetent' suggests a broader lack of skill or ability in a particular area.
powerless
Powerless means lacking the ability, strength, or authority to do something.
Example: The citizens felt powerless to influence government decisions.
Note: While 'unable' focuses on the inability to perform a specific action, 'powerless' emphasizes a lack of authority or influence to effect change.
Unable expressions, common phrases
out of luck
This phrase means that someone is in a situation where they have no chance of success or good fortune.
Example: I tried calling for help, but I was out of luck as my phone battery died.
Note: It implies a sense of fate or chance rather than just being unable to do something.
hit a brick wall
When someone 'hits a brick wall,' it means they have reached a point where they are unable to make any further progress.
Example: I've been trying to solve this math problem all day, but I've hit a brick wall.
Note: It conveys a sense of sudden and complete blockage, emphasizing a frustrating obstacle.
at a loss
Being 'at a loss' means being unable to understand or solve a problem or situation.
Example: I'm at a loss as to how to fix this broken computer.
Note: It suggests a feeling of confusion or helplessness in addition to the inability to act.
dead end
A 'dead end' refers to a point where progress is halted, and there are no more options or solutions available.
Example: After hours of searching, we reached a dead end in our investigation.
Note: It often implies that the situation has reached a complete standstill, with no way forward.
up against a wall
When someone is 'up against a wall,' they are in a difficult situation or facing a significant challenge, leaving them unable to proceed easily.
Example: I feel like I'm up against a wall with this project deadline looming.
Note: It conveys a sense of being under pressure or in a tight spot, emphasizing constraints.
stuck between a rock and a hard place
Being 'stuck between a rock and a hard place' means being in a situation where both options are equally undesirable or unfavorable.
Example: I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place - if I leave now, I'll miss the meeting, but if I stay, I'll miss my flight.
Note: It highlights the dilemma of having no good choices, emphasizing being trapped or cornered.
at the end of one's rope
When someone is 'at the end of their rope,' they are at the limit of their patience, resources, or ability to cope with a situation.
Example: I've been trying to fix this leak for hours, but I'm at the end of my rope.
Note: It suggests reaching a breaking point or exhaustion, emphasizing emotional strain or desperation.
Unable everyday (slang) expressions
up the creek without a paddle
This slang means being in a difficult situation without any way to solve it easily.
Example: I forgot my keys at home, so I'm up the creek without a paddle.
Note: It emphasizes being in a challenging predicament with no clear solution, compared to simply being unable to do something.
up a creek
Similar to 'up the creek without a paddle,' it means being in a challenging situation without a solution.
Example: Without my car keys, I'm up a creek and can't drive anywhere.
Note: It is a shortened version of the longer phrase.
in a bind
This term indicates being in a difficult situation or dilemma.
Example: I'm in a bind because I double-booked meetings for tomorrow.
Note: It suggests a sense of urgency or tight spot, like being in a tight knot or bind.
cornered
Feeling trapped or pressured in a situation with no easy way out.
Example: She felt cornered when asked about her whereabouts last night.
Note: It conveys a sense of being trapped or enclosed, similar to being unable to escape from a corner.
Unable - Examples
Unable to attend the meeting, he sent his apologies.
She was unable to solve the math problem.
Due to his injury, he was unable to play in the football match.
Unable grammar
Unable - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: unable
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): unable
Syllables, Separation and Stress
unable Contains 2 syllables: un • able
Phonetic transcription: ˌən-ˈā-bəl
un able , ˌən ˈā bəl (The red syllable is stressed)
Unable - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
unable: ~ 1500 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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