# unable to do sth

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/unable-to-do-sth
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

you use this to say that you cannot do something because you do not have the skill, time, or power.

## Examples

- I am unable to finish this report today.
- Because the road is blocked by snow, I am unable to drive to the office this morning.
- Despite his extensive experience in the field, he found himself unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the sudden failure of the experimental system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.