# cannot

/ˈkænɑt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cannot
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Senses

### 1. unable to

verb · CEFR A1

to be unable to do something because of a lack of ability or power.

For teachers: denotes a lack of physical or mental ability to perform an action. This form is more formal than the contraction 'can't'.

- I cannot swim very well, so I prefer to stay in the shallow water.
- The patient cannot walk without assistance until the physical therapist confirms that the bone has fully healed.

### 2. impossible

verb · CEFR A2

used to say that something is not possible or cannot be true.

For teachers: expresses logical impossibility or the certain conclusion that a state of affairs does not exist.

- It cannot be midnight already; I only just started my homework.
- Given the current evidence, it cannot be argued that the project was a total failure, as several key targets were met.

### 3. not allowed

verb · CEFR A2 · Formal

used to say that someone is not permitted to do something.

For teachers: denotes prohibition or the absence of permission to perform an action.

- You cannot park your car here because it is a private driveway.
- Visitors cannot enter the laboratory without wearing protective clothing and a security badge.

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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.