ENGLISH
REFERENCE

unable to do sth

idiom
Meaning

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


Examples
SIMPLE

I am unable to finish this report today.

CONTEXTUAL

Because the road is blocked by snow, I am unable to drive to the office this morning.

COMPLEX

Despite his extensive experience in the field, he found himself unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the sudden failure of the experimental system.

Last updated April 22, 2026