unable
intermediateB1/ʌˈneɪbəl/ · un-a-ble
lacking the ability to do something.
Meanings
lacking the ability to do something.
کسی چیز کو کرنے کی صلاحیت نہ ہونا۔
نہ اہل
na ahl
Common Collocations
- unable to perform
- unable to complete
- unable to assist
Example Sentences
He was unable to attend the meeting due to illness.
وہ بیماری کی وجہ سے اجلاس میں شرکت نہ کر سکا۔
Woh bimari ki wajah se ijlaas mein shirkat na kar saka.
After several attempts, she was still unable to solve the problem.
کئی کوششوں کے بعد بھی وہ مسئلہ حل کرنے میں ناکام رہی۔
Kai koshishon ke baad bhi woh masla hal karne mein nakaam rahi.
They are unable to provide the required documents on time.
وہ وقت پر مطلوبہ دستاویزات فراہم کرنے میں ناکام ہیں۔
Woh waqt par matlooba dastawaizaat faraham karne mein nakaam hain.
Easily Confused With
💡 Memory Tip
Remember that 'un' means not, so 'unable' means not able.
Imagine a person trying to lift a heavy box but unable to do so.
✍️ Urdu Poetry
ہمارا حال دیکھ کر سبھی ہے حیران، نہ ہم ہیں اہلِ دوستی، نہ رہیں گے پہچان۔
Hamara haal dekh kar sabhi hai hairan, Na hum hain ahl-e-dosti, na rahenge pehchaan.
Seeing our state, everyone is surprised, We are neither capable of friendship, nor will we be recognized.
— Unknown, Unverified
* Poetry attribution is AI-generated and may require verification.
🗣️ Urdu Proverb
ناتواں تو دعا ہے، طاقت ور شکر ہے۔
Natawan to dua hai, taqat war shukar hai.
The helpless is a prayer, the powerful is gratitude.
📖 Etymology
Origin: Old French "unable" — not able
First known use: 15th century
The prefix 'un-' denotes negation, and 'able' derives from Latin 'habilis', meaning 'able, skilled'. Combined, they articulate the opposite of being able.