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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Unable: Definition, Examples & Usage Tips (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：not able (unable)

unable 🔊

/ʌnˈeɪ.bəl/

adj.

Not having the power, skill, or opportunity to do something.

Person frustrated with blank computer screen unable to start it

not able 🔊

➕

/nɒt ˈeɪ.bəl/

adj.

Describes a lack of power, skill, or opportunity to perform a specific action.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Prefix 'un-' (not) + 'able' (having capacity or skill).

💡 Mnemonic

Un- means 'not', able means 'can'. So unable = 'cannot'. Picture a switch flipped to 'off' on your ability.

📖 Example

A sudden power outage left her unable to finish her online assignment. 🔊 A sudden power outage left her unable to finish her online assignment.

🔗 Collocations

unable to do something – not having the ability to perform an action

unable to attend – not able to be present at an event

unable to cope – not having the capacity to handle a situation

🔄 Synonyms

incapable (adj.) – Lacking the necessary ability or skill.

powerless (adj.) – Without the power to act or effect change.

helpless (adj.) – Unable to defend oneself or act without assistance.

🚫 Antonyms

able (adj.) – Having the power, skill, or means to do something.

capable (adj.) – Having the ability or qualities necessary to do something.

competent (adj.) – Having the necessary skill or knowledge to do something successfully.

🌱 Derivatives

inability (n.) – The state of being unable to do something.

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'habilis' via Old French 'able'; 'unable' appeared in Middle English (14th c.) often in legal contexts to denote lack of legal capacity.

Meaning 2：incapable of acting due to emotion (unable)

unable 🔊

/ʌnˈeɪ.bəl/

adj.

Feeling or being incapable of acting or helping, especially because of emotions, physical state, or circumstances.

Person sitting on bench unable to act due to sadness

incapable of acting due to emotion 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈkeɪ.pə.bəl ʌv ˈæk.tɪŋ duː tuː ɪˈmoʊ.ʃən/

adj.

Describes a state where strong emotions, physical condition, or circumstances make someone feel powerless to act or help.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

He felt completely unable to speak after hearing the sad news. 🔊 He felt completely unable to speak after hearing the sad news.

🔗 Collocations

unable to speak – temporarily deprived of the power of speech due to emotion

unable to move – paralyzed by fear or shock

unable to help – lacking the capacity to provide assistance due to one's own state

🔄 Synonyms

paralyzed (adj.) – Unable to move or act, often due to fear or shock.

speechless (adj.) – Temporarily unable to speak because of strong emotion.

impotent (adj.) – Lacking power or strength to act effectively.

🚫 Antonyms

able (adj.) – Having the power to act or speak.

moved (adj.) – Acting or speaking even under emotional influence.

responsive (adj.) – Reacting quickly and positively to a situation.