unable

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective (usually followed by `to') not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
  2. adjective (usually followed by `to') lacking necessary physical or mental ability
  3. adjective lacking in power or forcefulness

Etymology

From Middle English unable, unabel, unhable, unhabil, equivalent to un- + able.

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