Word
can't
Phoneticscant
US/ˈkænt/
UK/kˈɑːnt/
Definitions
01unable to
A1 · Beginner
v. to be unable to do something because you lack the skill, strength, or opportunity.
v. denotes a lack of ability, capacity, or opportunity to perform an action.
“I'm sorry, but I can't speak French very well yet.”
“Despite his extensive training, the pilot found he can't override the automated system once the emergency protocol has been initiated.”
Pitfall
I can't to swim.
I can't swim.
Like all modal verbs, 'can't' is followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02not allowed to
A1 · Beginner
v. to not have permission to do something.
v. indicates a lack of permission or a prohibition against a specific action.
“You can't park your car here because it is a private driveway.”
“Under the current safety regulations, visitors can't enter the laboratory without wearing full protective gear and a monitored badge.”
Synonyms
03impossible
B1 · Intermediate
v. used to say that something is certainly not true or possible.
v. expresses a strong logical deduction that a state or event is impossible.
“That can't be the right house; it looks much too small.”
“He can't have finished the entire report already, as he only started working on the data analysis two hours ago.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04unwilling to
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal · Slang
v. used when you really do not want to do something or find it too difficult to face.
v. used colloquially to express a total lack of desire or emotional capacity to engage with a situation.
“I just can't with this weather today; I'm staying in bed.”
“After three hours of listening to his complaints, I decided I just can't even deal with his drama anymore.”
Teaching tip
This usage is often seen in the phrase 'I can't even' to show extreme frustration or disbelief.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “can't” in context.
Etymology
From can + -n't, since 1706 or earlier.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 3
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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