UNABLE: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for UNABLE?

Need another word that means the same as “unable”? Find 12 synonyms and 30 related words for “unable” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Unable” are: ineffective, ineffectual, not able, powerless, impotent, not equal to, not up to, inadequate, incompetent, unfit, unfitted, unqualified

Unable as an Adjective

Definitions of "Unable" as an adjective

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “unable” as an adjective can have the following definitions:

• Lacking the skill, means, or opportunity to do something.
• Lacking in power or forcefulness.
• (usually followed by `to') lacking necessary physical or mental ability.
• Not having the necessary means or skill or know-how.
• Lacking necessary physical or mental ability.
• (usually followed by `to') not having the necessary means or skill or know-how.

Synonyms of "Unable" as an adjective (12 Words)

impotent	Unable to take effective action; helpless or powerless. Felt impotent rage.
inadequate	(of a person) unable to deal with a situation or with life. I felt like a fraud inadequate to the task.
incompetent	Not doing a good job. Incompetent witnesses.
ineffective	Not producing an intended effect. An ineffective administration.
ineffectual	Producing no result or effect. An ineffectual campaign.
not able	Having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something.
not equal to	Having the same quantity, value, or measure as another.
not up to	Getting higher or more vigorous.
powerless	Lacking power. Troops were powerless to stop last night s shooting.
unfit	(of a person) not having the requisite qualities or skills to undertake something competently. Certified as unfit for army service.
unfitted	(of furniture) not fitted. Unfitted bedroom furniture.
unqualified	Legally not qualified or sufficient. I am singularly unqualified to write about football.

Usage Examples of "Unable" as an adjective

• Dyslexics are unable to learn to read adequately.
• The sun was unable to melt enough snow.
• She was unable to conceal her surprise.
• Unable to get to town without a car.
• Unable to obtain funds.
• Like an unable phoenix in hot ashes.

Associations of "Unable" (30 Words)

blind	Make blind by putting the eyes out. This declaration is not a blind bit of good to the workers.
counterproductive	Tending to hinder the achievement of a goal. Child experts fear the Executive s plans may prove counterproductive.
crippled	(of a person) unable to walk or move normally; disabled. The pilot displayed skill and nerve in landing the crippled plane.
crutch	A thing used for support or reassurance. Overalls reinforced with leather where the crutch took the saddle s chafing.
deaf	Make or render deaf. I m a bit deaf so you ll have to speak up.
delayed	Not as far along as normal in development.
disabled	People collectively who are crippled or otherwise physically handicapped. Technology to help the elderly and the disabled.
dunce	A stupid person; these words are used to express a low opinion of someone’s intelligence. He was baffled by arithmetic and they called him a dunce at school.
execrable	Unequivocally detestable- Edmund Burke. Execrable cheap wine.
futile	Producing no result or effect. It is futile to allocate blame for this.
halting	Fragmentary or halting from emotional strain. She speaks halting English with a heavy accent.
handicap	A race or contest in which a handicap is imposed. Not being able to drive was something of a handicap.
handicapped	People collectively who are crippled or otherwise physically handicapped. His third child was born severely handicapped.
harmful	Causing or likely to cause harm. Harmful effects of smoking.
incapable	Not having the temperament or inclination for. Incapable of solution.
incompetence	Inability to do something successfully; ineptitude. Allegations of professional incompetence.
incompetent	An incompetent person. A forgetful and utterly incompetent assistant.
ineffective	Not producing an intended effect. The legal sanctions against oil spills are virtually ineffective.
ineffectual	Not producing an intended effect. An ineffectual ruler.
inept	Generally incompetent and ineffectual. If the rumor is true can anything be more inept than to repeat it now.
infertile	(of land) unable to sustain crops or vegetation. Barren and infertile soils.
lame	Make a person or animal lame. I made really stupid posters with lame slogans.
paralyzed	Affected with paralysis.
powerless	Without ability, influence, or power. Troops were powerless to stop last night s shooting.
unavailing	Producing no result or effect. Their efforts were unavailing.
unproductive	Not producing or capable of producing. Unproductive land must be reforested.
useless	Not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the intended purpose or desired outcome. We tried to pacify him but it was useless.
vain	Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one’s appearance, abilities, or worth. Vain about her clothes.
wheelchair	A movable chair mounted on large wheels; for invalids or those who cannot walk; frequently propelled by the occupant.