# couldn

CEFR A1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/couldn
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the short way to write 'could not' or 'could not have'. You use it to say that you were not able to do something or that something did not happen.

For teachers: the contracted form of 'could not' or 'could not have'. Used to express inability or to indicate that an action did not occur in the past.

## Examples

- I couldn't find my keys this morning.
- We couldn't finish the report on time because the printer broke down during the final hour.
- The researchers couldn't have predicted the rapid shift in public opinion that occurred just days before the election was called.

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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.