unable
gb/ʌnˈeɪbəl/ us/ʌnˈeɪbəl/
A2
Inglês
~ 1600
Aceções
0 aceções
adjective
A2
property
1
Not having the ability
Not able to do something because you do not have the skill, strength, permission, or chance.
Padrão de uso:
unable to [verb]
Erro comum:
Learners sometimes confuse 'unable' with 'disability'. 'Unable' usually refers to a specific situation or task, not a permanent condition.
Sinónimos
incapable (More formal and slightly stronger in suggesting a permanent or inherent lack of ability.)
|
powerless (Suggests complete lack of control or means to act, often in emotional or situational contexts.)
Antónimos
able (Direct opposite; having the necessary skill, power, or opportunity to do something.)
|
capable (Having the ability or qualities necessary to do something effectively.)
Colocações
unable to attend
|unable to help
|unable to work
|unable to continue
|unable to respond
Temas
daily life
|abilities
|limitations
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- She was unable to finish the race due to an injury.
- I’m sorry, but I’m unable to attend the meeting tomorrow.
- He felt frustrated because he was unable to explain his idea clearly.
- The company is unable to offer refunds after 30 days.
- They were unable to leave the city because of the storm.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- I am unable to open this box.
- She is unable to come to the party.
- He was unable to lift the heavy bag.
- We are unable to go outside because it is raining.
- They are unable to speak English.
Gramática
Forma de dicionário
unable
IPA
GB/ʌnˈeɪbəl/
US/ʌnˈeɪbəl/
Sílabas e acento
un - able (2 sílabas)
Stress on 2nd syllable (able)
Formas da palavra
Adjective
- Base: unable
Família de palavras
Expressões
unable to attend
1/ʌnˈeɪbəl tə ətˈɛnd/
fixed phrase
Not able to go to an event
Not able to be at a meeting, party, or other event.
Exemplos
- I regret that I am unable to attend your wedding.
- She was sick and therefore unable to attend the conference.
unable to continue
1/ʌnˈeɪbəl tə kəntˈɪnju/
fixed phrase
Not able to keep going
Not able to keep doing something or move forward.
Exemplos
- The team was unable to continue after losing key players.
- Due to technical problems, we were unable to continue the presentation.
unable to cope
1/ʌnˈeɪbəl tə kˈoʊp/
fixed phrase
Not able to deal with something
Not able to deal with a difficult situation or problem.
Exemplos
- After the sudden loss, she felt unable to cope with daily life.
- He became so stressed at work that he was unable to cope.
unable to respond
1/ʌnˈeɪbəl tə ɹɪspˈɑnd/
fixed phrase
Not able to reply or react
Not able to give an answer or reaction when expected.
Exemplos
- The witness was too nervous and unable to respond.
- He was asleep and unable to respond when I knocked.
unable to work
1/ʌnˈeɪbəl tə wˈɚk/
fixed phrase
Not able to do one's job
Not able to do your job or tasks because of illness, injury, or another reason.
Exemplos
- He was injured in an accident and is currently unable to work.
- She has been unable to work for several months due to illness.