NYT Dictionary

UNABLE

/ʌnˈeɪbl̩/

AdjectiveInterjectionVerbun-A-bleun-a-ble · 3 syllablesGrade 6

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2026

Meaning

Not able; lacking a certain ability.

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English unable, unabel, unhable, unhabil, equivalent to un- + able.

helplessineffectiveineffectualinadequateincapableincompetentinefficient ineptinferiormaladjusted

Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: