Collocations for "unable"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "unable" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
unable
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.adj
- is unable to [walk, swim, drive, run, speak, breathe]
- will be unable to [attend, go, come, visit]
- was unable to [fix, repair, mend] (the bike)
- unable to finish [his dinner, the project, the race]
- unable to [hide, conceal] her [frustration, surprise]
- unable to sell their [home, house, apartment]
- unable to get [tickets, a mortgage, home]
- tried, but was unable to
- unwilling or unable
- are unable to confirm [whether, if, who]
'unable' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
ID
- adapt
- afford
- amusement
- answer
- articulate
- attend
- bowel
- breathe
- cancellation
- comply
- comprehend
- compromise
- conceive
- consent
- destiny
- diagnosis
- discharge
- duck
- fathom
- focus
- foresee
- forgetful
- fund
- help
- hold
- ignition
- illness
- injury
- nearby
- perceive
- plaintiff
- read
- summons
- utter