unableadj.

Brit.

/(ˌ)ʌnˈeɪbl/, U.S.

/ˌənˈeɪb(ə)l/

Forms: α. Middle English–1600s unhable, (1500s Scottish wnhable, unhabil). β. Middle English– unable, Middle English unabille, unabyll(e, unabull, Middle English–1500s unabil(l; Middle English onable, 1500s onabil, vnable.

Etymology: un- prefix¹ 1 + able adj., after Old French inhabile or Latin inhabilis inhabile adj. Compare Middle Dutch onabel.

a. Not able, not having ability or power, to do or perform (undergo or experience) something specified. (Chiefly of persons.)

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > inability > [adjective] > incapable of doing something

unablec1380

void1578

uncapable1600

incapablea1616

destitute1645

α.

c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 422 Al þes þat han chirchis aproprid faylen of þis trewe seruyss herfore, & þus þei ben vnhable to preye, but preyen aȝen þer oune hed.

1552 H. Latimer Serm. Gospels vi. 190 The person of the Church is ignoraunt and unhable to teach the word of God.

1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. iv. sig. D3 Vnfit he was for any wordly thing, And eke vnhable once to stirre or go.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. i. 16 Me first he tooke, vnhable to withstond.

β. a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xl. 20 The stronge tree, and the vnable to roten ches the wise craftes man.c1420 J. Lydgate Ballad Commend. Our Lady 15 Alas! unworthy I am and unable To love suche oon.1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vii. l. 119 My witt vnabill is To runsik sic for dreid I say off mys.1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. GG Thou shalt make thy selfe vnable to ryse and growe in gostlynesse.1598 B. Yong tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 57 To tell you now the life, that I led in his absence,..my toong is far vnable.1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxx. 181 Many men..become unable to maintain themselves by their labour.1700 M. Prior Carmen Sæculare 12 Lost in ample Fields of shining Day, Unable to discern the Way.1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth III. 402 As they are unable to escape by flight, the hunters..easily overpower them.1836 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece III. xvii. 3 The Persian governor, unable to hold out, and disdaining to surrender, set fire to the town.1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn I. xx. 182 Panting with wrath, he was unable even to return the greeting of Nero.

b. Const. for or to (with nouns).

ΚΠ

(a)

a1470 Dives & Pauper (1496) v. xviii. 220/1 Though his woodnes passe yet he is yrreguler & unable to goddes aulter.

c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 102 Gif he be ane vnworthy persone, and vnhable tharto,..he degradis him.

1513 Life Henry V (1911) 83 The Kinge his father, who at that time was lymited, was vnable to the charge of the realme.

(b)1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 382 He was maymed with the stroke of an horse in his youth, and so made unhable for the governaunce of the Realme.1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales i. i. 2 Agrippa they accounted..yoong, and rawe in state matters; vnable for so great a charge.1668 Bp. J. Wilkins Ess. Real Char. ii. i. §4. 41 Either by restoring what is due, or by being rendred unable for it.1842 R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes Scotl. (new ed.) 54/1 She could not spin at all, and found herself quite unable for it.

†c. Used attributively with to following the noun. Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

1560 Bp. J. Pilkington Aggeus the Prophete (1562) 59 An unable priest to teach, is good to nothinge in that kynde of lyfe or ministerye.

a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. xii. sig. H6 Those troblesome effects..be not the faults of loue, but of him that loues; as an vnable vessel to beare such a licour.

a1641 J. Smyth Berkeley MSS (1883) II. 141 I stand an unable man to determine of either opinion.

d. Not knowing, ignorant. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > [adjective]

unlearedeOE

untowenc1000

unwittyc1000

skillessc1175

uncouthc1220

lewda1225

lorelessa1300

simplea1325

layc1330

uncunning1340

untaughtc1340

unknowingc1350

rudea1382

roida1400

unquainta1400

ignorant?c1400

unlearnedc1400

misknowing?a1425

simple-hearted?c1425

unknownc1475

unkenningc1480

unweeting1483

nescienta1500

craftlessc1530

misliterate1532

sillya1547

ingram1553

gross1561

inscient1578

borowe1579

plain-headeda1586

empirical1588

rudeful1589

lack-learning1590

learnless?1593

wotless?1594

ingrant1597

untutored1597

small-knowing1598

uninstructed1598

unlearnt1609

unread1609

unware?1611

nescious1623

inscious1633

inscientifical1660

uninformed1702

unaware1704

unable1721

unsuspecting1776

inerudite1801

ill-informed1824

incognoscent1827

unminded1831

unknowledgeable1837

knowledgelessc1843

parviscient1862

clueless1943

1721 L. Eusden in J. Addison Wks. I. 267 Silent we stand, unable where to praise.

a. Of persons: Lacking ability in some implied respect; incompetent, inefficient.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > inability > [adjective] > unable or incompetent

insufficientc1386

insuffisant1387

unable1395

unsufficient1395

weak1423

uncompetentc1549

short-handed1622

incompetent1641

ineffective1653

nequient1656

inefficient1750

wandought1788

no good1838

non-efficient1863

1395 J. Purvey Remonstr. (1851) 112 It is gouernid by symonient bisshopis and vnable curatis.

a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. clvii^v Weale I wote, and knowlege, and deme myselfe to be and haue ben vnsuffycyent and vnable, and also vnprofytable.

1530 Thorpe's Examinacion sig. B Thes vnable priestes haue bene, & yet are, & shall be chefe cause of pestilence of men.

1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre i. cxcviii. sig. I vj^v To sende forth thyne vnable souldyours.. to be as a bayte..to thyne enemyes.

1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. Ded. sig. ¶3^v This indeuor..thus vndertaken by me the vnablest of many thousands.

1668 R. Steele Husbandmans Calling (1672) v. 139 What if I leave a shiftless wife, and unable children behind me?

1710 Ld. Shaftesbury Soliloquy 70 The greatest Actions lose their Force, and perish in the custody of unable and mean Writers.

1774 O. Goldsmith Grecian Hist. II. iii. 167 No hopes of succour from such unable protectors.

1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits vi. 110 I hesitated to read and threw out for its impertinence many a disparaging phrase..about poor, thin, unable mortals.

1877 S. J. Owen in Marquess Wellesley Select. Despatches Introd. p. xxvii What would become of the system in unable hands?

b. Of faculties, actions, etc.: Characterized by want of ability; inefficient, ineffectual.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > inability > [adjective] > characterized by want of ability

unablec1400

c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) xxxi. 315 I..have ben..at many a faire Dede of Armes (alle be it that I dide none my self, for myn unable insuffisance).

1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer iii. f. cccli If any thing be insufficient or els myslyking, with that y^e leudnesse of myne vnable connyng.

?1594 H. Constable Diana (new ed.) vii. vi. sig. F1^v A dombe restraint, Breakes forth in teares from mine vnable mind.

1633 A. Cowley Constantia & Philetus To Rdr. ii As shee my vnabler quill did guide, Her briny teares did on the paper fall.

1648 J. Beaumont Psyche xvii. cccxxxiii. 339 I..see thee more By this unable and denying sight, Than they [etc.].

a1797 E. Burke Ess. Abridgm. Eng. Hist. (rev. ed.) in Wks. (1812) V. 503 Vortigern..opposed a mixture of timid war and unable negotiation.

†3.

a. Of persons: Incapable of, not qualified for, some position. Obsolete.

ΚΠ

c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 465 Þat pope þat fayliþ heere oþer for kunnyng or for wille is vnhable to take to pope & lede his floc.

1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 202 His nase of and his lippes bothe He kutte, for he wolde him lothe Unto the poeple and make unable.

1426 J. Lydgate tr. G. de Guileville Pilgrimage Life Man 5108 But I sawh ther in presence, Somme pressen to the table That wer vnworthy & vnhable.

†b. Of things: Unfit or unsuitable for some purpose. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > [adjective] > unserviceable

unbriche1303

unable1390

unserviceable1535

inserviceable1607

impracticable1717

condemned1798

unusable1825

unadoptable1843

dis1925

bung1930

u/s1942

inoperable1949

1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 104 Which of the poeple be for~lete As lond desert that is unable, For it mai noght ben habitable.

c1440 Pallad. on Husb. i. 222 Diuide hit thus: that fatte & bering, able, Let plowe hit vp, & leef the lene, vnable, Couert in woode.

1444 Maldon (Essex) Liber A lf. 32^v Item, that no bocher sle, ne selle, none vnhable flessh.

†4.

a. Not able to be (done); impossible. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > difficulty > practical impossibility > [adjective]

impossible1340

unfeasible1527

infeasible1533

unablec1540

unperformable1583

unpracticeable1588

unfeasable1628

uneffectible1646

unpracticable1650

unoperable1652

unaccomplishable1675

imprestable1683

imperformable1693

impracticable1696

unexecutable1794

ineffectible1806

inexecutable1833

unworkable1839

impractical1865

undoable1865

impos.1924

c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy Prol. 46 How goddes foght in the filde, folke as þai were, And other errours vnable þat after were knowen, That poyetis of prise have preuyt vntrew.

1548 E. Gest Treat. againste Masse sig. Aviii The wyche, as it is an attempte too unreasonable and unable, so passynge wycked, presumptuouse and detestable.

1567 Reg. Privy Council Scotl. l. 512 How unabill it salbe to the nobilitie..alwayis to abyde and continew at Court.

†b. Awkward; unlucky. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > adversity > calamity or misfortune > [adjective]

unseelyOE

ungraciousa1387

infortunatec1390

unhappy1390

haplessa1400

mischancefula1400

unfortunedc1403

infortuneda1413

maleurousa1460

infortunable?a1475

mal-infortunedc1475

unselc1480

mischanced1488

misadventurousa1500

unhap1509

misfortunate1510

mischancya1522

unuredc1525

maleureda1529

unlucky1530

unfortunate1548

luckless1563

unluckly1564

unfortunable1567

untoward1570

unable?1572

sinister1576

unsonsy1578

disaster1584

disastereda1586

disastrous1586

unweirdedc1590

wanhappy?1590

misbefallen1591

fortuneless1596

infelicious1598

misadventured1599

improsperous1602

untoward1632

unhandsome1640

ill-fated1715

donsie?1719

swarthy1756

infelicitous1835

bad luck1872

stiff1919

spooked1937

jinxed1972

?1572 R. Sempill Premonitioun Barnis of Leith (single sheet) Sen Fortoun with a Reill Hes wrocht thame ane vnabill charr.

5. Lacking in physical ability or strength; incapable of much bodily exertion; weak, feeble. In later use Scottish.

ΘΚΠ

the world > health and disease > ill health > [adjective] > in state of ill health or diseased > weak

unmightyeOE

unferea1060

unwieldc1220

fade1303

lewc1325

weak1340

fainta1375

sicklyc1374

unwieldyc1386

impotent1390

delicatea1398

lowa1398

unmighta1450

unlustyc1450

low-brought1459

wearyc1480

failed1490

worn1508

caduke?1518

fainty1530

weak1535

debile1536

fluey1545

tewly?1547

faltering1549

puling1549

imbecilec1550

debilitate1552

flash1562

unable1577

unhealthful1595

unabled1597

whindling1601

infirm1608

debilitated1611

bedrid1629

washya1631

silly1636

fluea1645

tender1645

invaletudinary1661

languishant1674

valetudinaire?c1682

puly1688

thriftless1693

unheartya1699

wishy-washy1703

enervate1706

valetudinarian1713

lask1727

wersh1755

palliea1774

wankle1781

asthenic1789

atonic1792

squeal1794

adynamic1803

worn-down1814

totterish1817

asthenical1819

prostrate1820

used up1823

wankya1825

creaky1834

groggy1834

puny1838

imbeciled1840

rickety-rackety1840

muscleless1841

weedy1849

tottery1861

crocky1880

wimbly-wambly1881

ramshackle1889

twitterly1896

twittery1907

wonky1919

strung out1959

1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iii. f. 144^v He waxeth feeble, and vnable, before he be sixe yeeres olde.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iv. v. 4 When saplesse Age, and weake vnable limbes Should bring thy Father to his drooping Chaire.

1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy iii. iii. i. ii. 672 I haue an old grimme sire to my husband as bald as a gourde, as little and as vnable as a child.

1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. Matt. xxv. 46 This doth not extend to condemn Infants or poor unable persons for not doing what they could not.

1764 O. Goldsmith Hist. Eng. in Lett. (1772) I. 168 Though unable by disease, yet they recompensed the defect by valour.

1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor ii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. II. 26 Those unarmed and unable Mephebosheths, that are sure to be a burthen to every one that takes them up.

1858–61 J. Brown Horæ Subsecivæ (1863) 163 No one could have suffered from..the misery of an unable body.

1896 S. R. Crockett Grey Man iv He..was ever thereafter unable of his legs.

in extended use.1601 R. Yarington Two Lamentable Trag. sig. B We do assure vs of your loue, And care to guide his weake vnhable youth, In pathes of knowledge.1607 T. Heywood Woman Kilde with Kindnesse sig. C2^v Sir I accept it, and remaine indebted Euen to the best of my vnable power.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

† unablev.

Forms: Also Middle English unabyl, 1500s unabill; Middle English–1500s unhable.

Etymology: un- prefix² 1d(c), or < unable adj.

Obsolete.

a. transitive. To render unable, to unfit or incapacitate, to do something. Sometimes spec. in Law: To make legally incapable.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > inability > render unable [verb (transitive)]

unablec1380

disable1548

lame1568

founder1590

disenable1604

discapacitate1660

incapacitate1666

uncapacitate1668

incapacify1683

dishabilitate1871

society > law > legal capacity > invest with legal status or capacity [verb (transitive)] > remove legal capacity

unablec1380

disable1445

incapacitate1657

dishabilitate1662

c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. I. 147 Myche more shulde worldely lordship unable men now to take þis Goost.

a1470 J. Hardyng Chron. clvii. iii This Edmond thelder soonne of Kyng Henry, Broke backed and bowbacked bore, Was vnabled to haue the monarche.

c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 9423 He woundit hym wickedly in his wale face, And vnablit after with angur to fight.

1567 J. Jewel tr. J. Scotus Eriugena in Def. Apol. Churche Eng. ii. viii. 190 Then dooth it [sc. the vow of chastity] not of necessitie, and fine force, vnhable a man to contracte Matrimonie.

1613 A. Sherley Relation Trav. Persia 32 The eldest son of the King remained at the Court of his father, administring all that, which his fathers defect of light vnabled him to doe.

1640 W. Habington Hist. Edward IV 67 They..had been unabled to pay their usuall tribute to the King.

1774 O. Goldsmith Grecian Hist. I. vii. 207 Until both were utterly unabled to withstand the smallest efforts of foreign invasion.

reflexive.c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 191 Þei vnablen hem self to do þe office of prestis.c1380 Eng. Wycliffite Serm. in Sel. Wks. II. 36 Þre ordris in Cristis tyme unabliden hem to be of þis rewme.

b. Const. to (or of) an action, office, etc.

ΚΠ

a1395 W. Hylton Scala Perfeccionis (1494) ii. xv How louers of this worlde unable hem in dyuers maners to the refourmyng of her owne soule.

a1470 Dives & Pauper (1496) i. xxxviii. 79/1 He sholde be pryued of his benefyce yf that he hadde ony. Yf he had no benefyce he sholde be unabled and dysposed therto.

1560 J. Knox Bk. Common Order (1901) 20 The crimes and vices that might unable them of the Ministry.

a. Without const.: To unfit or incapacitate, to deprive of ability or power, in some respect; to disable physically.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > ability > inability > render unable [verb (transitive)]

unablec1380

disable1548

lame1568

founder1590

disenable1604

discapacitate1660

incapacitate1666

uncapacitate1668

incapacify1683

dishabilitate1871

the world > health and disease > ill health > injury > maiming or mutilation > maim or mutilate [verb (transitive)]

wemc900

slaya1000

alithOE

hamblea1050

belimbc1225

dismember1297

lamec1300

maimc1325

shearc1330

unablec1380

emblemishc1384

magglec1425

magc1450

demember1491

disablea1492

manglea1500

menyie?a1513

mayhem1533

mutilatec1570

martyr1592

stump1596

bemaim1605

cripplea1616

martyrize1615

deartuate1623

hamstring1641

becripple1660

limb1674

truncate1727

dislimb1855

c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. I. 105 Siþ he..wiþdrawiþ never his grace, but ȝif man unable him selfe.

c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. I. 219 As distempour of þe eir shal sle men and unable þe erþe.

?c1450 in G. J. Aungier Hist. & Antiq. Syon Monastery (1840) 281 Whom euerychone and eche trespasyng in the premysses, we unable for euermore in the selfdede doyng.

1503 Rolls of Parl. VI. 547/1 To the use, profitte or behove of any persone or persones by this Acte not attaynted nor unabled.

1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis iii. 53 I through pangs vncoth vnhabled, With stutting stamering at leingth thus fumbled an aunswer.

a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) 285 That old Leacher, worne out and unabled, though he dyed his haire black that he might seeme to be young.

1654 E. Gayton Pleasant Notes Don Quixot iii. v. 100 That is to say, with three hard words, un-mule, un-leg, and un-able, Alanso Lopez.

b. To annul or cancel. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > rule of law > illegality > render illegal [verb (transitive)] > deprive of legal validity

abatea1325

squatcha1325

voida1325

allayc1325

annul1395

reverse1395

revokec1400

rupt?a1425

repealc1425

abroge1427

defeat1429

purloin1461

cassa1464

toll1467

resume1472

reprove1479

suspend1488

discharge1495

reduce1498

cassate1512

defease1512

denulla1513

disannula1513

fordoa1513

avoid1514–5

abrogate?1520

frustrate1528

revert1528

disaffirm?1530

extinct1530

resolve1537

null1538

nihilate1545

extinguish1548

elidec1554

revocate1564

annullate1570

squat1577

skaila1583

irritate1605

retex1606

nullify1607

unable1611

refix1621

vitiate1627

invalid1643

vacate1643

unlaw1644

outlaw1647

invalidate1649

disenact1651

vacuate1654

supersedec1674

destroy1805

break1891

1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. ix. xxi. 783/2 Hee prepared himselfe to make his Wil, wherein howsoeuer titles had been vnhabled in Parliaments, he ordained his three children to succeede each after others.

Derivatives

Obsolete.

† unˈabling n. Obsolete

ΘΚΠ

society > law > legal capacity > [noun] > removing

unabling1475

disablement1485

disabling1495

incapacitation1770

1475 Rolls of Parl. VI. 147/2 As if the said Acte of atteyndre or unablyng never had been made.

1503 Rolls of Parl. VI. 548.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online June 2021).

单词	unable
释义	unableadj. Brit. /(ˌ)ʌnˈeɪbl/, U.S. /ˌənˈeɪb(ə)l/ Forms: α. Middle English–1600s unhable, (1500s Scottish wnhable, unhabil). β. Middle English– unable, Middle English unabille, unabyll(e, unabull, Middle English–1500s unabil(l; Middle English onable, 1500s onabil, vnable. Etymology: un- prefix¹ 1 + able adj., after Old French inhabile or Latin inhabilis inhabile adj. Compare Middle Dutch onabel. 1. a. Not able, not having ability or power, to do or perform (undergo or experience) something specified. (Chiefly of persons.) ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > inability > [adjective] > incapable of doing something unablec1380 void1578 uncapable1600 incapablea1616 destitute1645 α. c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 422 Al þes þat han chirchis aproprid faylen of þis trewe seruyss herfore, & þus þei ben vnhable to preye, but preyen aȝen þer oune hed. 1552 H. Latimer Serm. Gospels vi. 190 The person of the Church is ignoraunt and unhable to teach the word of God. 1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene i. iv. sig. D3 Vnfit he was for any wordly thing, And eke vnhable once to stirre or go. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. i. 16 Me first he tooke, vnhable to withstond. View more context for this quotation β. a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Isa. xl. 20 The stronge tree, and the vnable to roten ches the wise craftes man.c1420 J. Lydgate Ballad Commend. Our Lady 15 Alas! unworthy I am and unable To love suche oon.1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) vii. l. 119 My witt vnabill is To runsik sic for dreid I say off mys.1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. GG Thou shalt make thy selfe vnable to ryse and growe in gostlynesse.1598 B. Yong tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 57 To tell you now the life, that I led in his absence,..my toong is far vnable.1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan ii. xxx. 181 Many men..become unable to maintain themselves by their labour.1700 M. Prior Carmen Sæculare 12 Lost in ample Fields of shining Day, Unable to discern the Way.1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth III. 402 As they are unable to escape by flight, the hunters..easily overpower them.1836 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece III. xvii. 3 The Persian governor, unable to hold out, and disdaining to surrender, set fire to the town.1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn I. xx. 182 Panting with wrath, he was unable even to return the greeting of Nero. b. Const. for or to (with nouns). ΚΠ (a) a1470 Dives & Pauper (1496) v. xviii. 220/1 Though his woodnes passe yet he is yrreguler & unable to goddes aulter. c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Law of Armys (2005) 102 Gif he be ane vnworthy persone, and vnhable tharto,..he degradis him. 1513 Life Henry V (1911) 83 The Kinge his father, who at that time was lymited, was vnable to the charge of the realme. (b)1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 382 He was maymed with the stroke of an horse in his youth, and so made unhable for the governaunce of the Realme.1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales i. i. 2 Agrippa they accounted..yoong, and rawe in state matters; vnable for so great a charge.1668 Bp. J. Wilkins Ess. Real Char. ii. i. §4. 41 Either by restoring what is due, or by being rendred unable for it.1842 R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes Scotl. (new ed.) 54/1 She could not spin at all, and found herself quite unable for it. †c. Used attributively with to following the noun. Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ 1560 Bp. J. Pilkington Aggeus the Prophete (1562) 59 An unable priest to teach, is good to nothinge in that kynde of lyfe or ministerye. a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) i. xii. sig. H6 Those troblesome effects..be not the faults of loue, but of him that loues; as an vnable vessel to beare such a licour. a1641 J. Smyth Berkeley MSS (1883) II. 141 I stand an unable man to determine of either opinion. d. Not knowing, ignorant. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > want of knowledge, ignorance > [adjective] unlearedeOE untowenc1000 unwittyc1000 skillessc1175 uncouthc1220 lewda1225 lorelessa1300 simplea1325 layc1330 uncunning1340 untaughtc1340 unknowingc1350 rudea1382 roida1400 unquainta1400 ignorant?c1400 unlearnedc1400 misknowing?a1425 simple-hearted?c1425 unknownc1475 unkenningc1480 unweeting1483 nescienta1500 craftlessc1530 misliterate1532 sillya1547 ingram1553 gross1561 inscient1578 borowe1579 plain-headeda1586 empirical1588 rudeful1589 lack-learning1590 learnless?1593 wotless?1594 ingrant1597 untutored1597 small-knowing1598 uninstructed1598 unlearnt1609 unread1609 unware?1611 nescious1623 inscious1633 inscientifical1660 uninformed1702 unaware1704 unable1721 unsuspecting1776 inerudite1801 ill-informed1824 incognoscent1827 unminded1831 unknowledgeable1837 knowledgelessc1843 parviscient1862 clueless1943 1721 L. Eusden in J. Addison Wks. I. 267 Silent we stand, unable where to praise. 2. a. Of persons: Lacking ability in some implied respect; incompetent, inefficient. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > inability > [adjective] > unable or incompetent insufficientc1386 insuffisant1387 unable1395 unsufficient1395 weak1423 uncompetentc1549 short-handed1622 incompetent1641 ineffective1653 nequient1656 inefficient1750 wandought1788 no good1838 non-efficient1863 1395 J. Purvey Remonstr. (1851) 112 It is gouernid by symonient bisshopis and vnable curatis. a1513 R. Fabyan New Cronycles Eng. & Fraunce (1516) II. f. clvii^v Weale I wote, and knowlege, and deme myselfe to be and haue ben vnsuffycyent and vnable, and also vnprofytable. 1530 Thorpe's Examinacion sig. B Thes vnable priestes haue bene, & yet are, & shall be chefe cause of pestilence of men. 1544 P. Betham tr. J. di Porcia Preceptes Warre i. cxcviii. sig. I vj^v To sende forth thyne vnable souldyours.. to be as a bayte..to thyne enemyes. 1612 J. Brinsley Ludus Lit. Ded. sig. ¶3^v This indeuor..thus vndertaken by me the vnablest of many thousands. 1668 R. Steele Husbandmans Calling (1672) v. 139 What if I leave a shiftless wife, and unable children behind me? 1710 Ld. Shaftesbury Soliloquy 70 The greatest Actions lose their Force, and perish in the custody of unable and mean Writers. 1774 O. Goldsmith Grecian Hist. II. iii. 167 No hopes of succour from such unable protectors. 1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits vi. 110 I hesitated to read and threw out for its impertinence many a disparaging phrase..about poor, thin, unable mortals. 1877 S. J. Owen in Marquess Wellesley Select. Despatches Introd. p. xxvii What would become of the system in unable hands? b. Of faculties, actions, etc.: Characterized by want of ability; inefficient, ineffectual. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > inability > [adjective] > characterized by want of ability unablec1400 c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (1839) xxxi. 315 I..have ben..at many a faire Dede of Armes (alle be it that I dide none my self, for myn unable insuffisance). 1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer iii. f. cccli If any thing be insufficient or els myslyking, with that y^e leudnesse of myne vnable connyng. ?1594 H. Constable Diana (new ed.) vii. vi. sig. F1^v A dombe restraint, Breakes forth in teares from mine vnable mind. 1633 A. Cowley Constantia & Philetus To Rdr. ii As shee my vnabler quill did guide, Her briny teares did on the paper fall. 1648 J. Beaumont Psyche xvii. cccxxxiii. 339 I..see thee more By this unable and denying sight, Than they [etc.]. a1797 E. Burke Ess. Abridgm. Eng. Hist. (rev. ed.) in Wks. (1812) V. 503 Vortigern..opposed a mixture of timid war and unable negotiation. †3. a. Of persons: Incapable of, not qualified for, some position. Obsolete. ΚΠ c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 465 Þat pope þat fayliþ heere oþer for kunnyng or for wille is vnhable to take to pope & lede his floc. 1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 202 His nase of and his lippes bothe He kutte, for he wolde him lothe Unto the poeple and make unable. 1426 J. Lydgate tr. G. de Guileville Pilgrimage Life Man 5108 But I sawh ther in presence, Somme pressen to the table That wer vnworthy & vnhable. †b. Of things: Unfit or unsuitable for some purpose. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > [adjective] > unserviceable unbriche1303 unable1390 unserviceable1535 inserviceable1607 impracticable1717 condemned1798 unusable1825 unadoptable1843 dis1925 bung1930 u/s1942 inoperable1949 1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 104 Which of the poeple be for~lete As lond desert that is unable, For it mai noght ben habitable. c1440 Pallad. on Husb. i. 222 Diuide hit thus: that fatte & bering, able, Let plowe hit vp, & leef the lene, vnable, Couert in woode. 1444 Maldon (Essex) Liber A lf. 32^v Item, that no bocher sle, ne selle, none vnhable flessh. †4. a. Not able to be (done); impossible. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > difficulty > practical impossibility > [adjective] impossible1340 unfeasible1527 infeasible1533 unablec1540 unperformable1583 unpracticeable1588 unfeasable1628 uneffectible1646 unpracticable1650 unoperable1652 unaccomplishable1675 imprestable1683 imperformable1693 impracticable1696 unexecutable1794 ineffectible1806 inexecutable1833 unworkable1839 impractical1865 undoable1865 impos.1924 c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy Prol. 46 How goddes foght in the filde, folke as þai were, And other errours vnable þat after were knowen, That poyetis of prise have preuyt vntrew. 1548 E. Gest Treat. againste Masse sig. Aviii The wyche, as it is an attempte too unreasonable and unable, so passynge wycked, presumptuouse and detestable. 1567 Reg. Privy Council Scotl. l. 512 How unabill it salbe to the nobilitie..alwayis to abyde and continew at Court. †b. Awkward; unlucky. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > adversity > calamity or misfortune > [adjective] unseelyOE ungraciousa1387 infortunatec1390 unhappy1390 haplessa1400 mischancefula1400 unfortunedc1403 infortuneda1413 maleurousa1460 infortunable?a1475 mal-infortunedc1475 unselc1480 mischanced1488 misadventurousa1500 unhap1509 misfortunate1510 mischancya1522 unuredc1525 maleureda1529 unlucky1530 unfortunate1548 luckless1563 unluckly1564 unfortunable1567 untoward1570 unable?1572 sinister1576 unsonsy1578 disaster1584 disastereda1586 disastrous1586 unweirdedc1590 wanhappy?1590 misbefallen1591 fortuneless1596 infelicious1598 misadventured1599 improsperous1602 untoward1632 unhandsome1640 ill-fated1715 donsie?1719 swarthy1756 infelicitous1835 bad luck1872 stiff1919 spooked1937 jinxed1972 ?1572 R. Sempill Premonitioun Barnis of Leith (single sheet) Sen Fortoun with a Reill Hes wrocht thame ane vnabill charr. 5. Lacking in physical ability or strength; incapable of much bodily exertion; weak, feeble. In later use Scottish. ΘΚΠ the world > health and disease > ill health > [adjective] > in state of ill health or diseased > weak unmightyeOE unferea1060 unwieldc1220 fade1303 lewc1325 weak1340 fainta1375 sicklyc1374 unwieldyc1386 impotent1390 delicatea1398 lowa1398 unmighta1450 unlustyc1450 low-brought1459 wearyc1480 failed1490 worn1508 caduke?1518 fainty1530 weak1535 debile1536 fluey1545 tewly?1547 faltering1549 puling1549 imbecilec1550 debilitate1552 flash1562 unable1577 unhealthful1595 unabled1597 whindling1601 infirm1608 debilitated1611 bedrid1629 washya1631 silly1636 fluea1645 tender1645 invaletudinary1661 languishant1674 valetudinaire?c1682 puly1688 thriftless1693 unheartya1699 wishy-washy1703 enervate1706 valetudinarian1713 lask1727 wersh1755 palliea1774 wankle1781 asthenic1789 atonic1792 squeal1794 adynamic1803 worn-down1814 totterish1817 asthenical1819 prostrate1820 used up1823 wankya1825 creaky1834 groggy1834 puny1838 imbeciled1840 rickety-rackety1840 muscleless1841 weedy1849 tottery1861 crocky1880 wimbly-wambly1881 ramshackle1889 twitterly1896 twittery1907 wonky1919 strung out1959 1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iii. f. 144^v He waxeth feeble, and vnable, before he be sixe yeeres olde. a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) iv. v. 4 When saplesse Age, and weake vnable limbes Should bring thy Father to his drooping Chaire. View more context for this quotation 1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy iii. iii. i. ii. 672 I haue an old grimme sire to my husband as bald as a gourde, as little and as vnable as a child. 1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. Matt. xxv. 46 This doth not extend to condemn Infants or poor unable persons for not doing what they could not. 1764 O. Goldsmith Hist. Eng. in Lett. (1772) I. 168 Though unable by disease, yet they recompensed the defect by valour. 1819 W. Scott Bride of Lammermoor ii, in Tales of my Landlord 3rd Ser. II. 26 Those unarmed and unable Mephebosheths, that are sure to be a burthen to every one that takes them up. 1858–61 J. Brown Horæ Subsecivæ (1863) 163 No one could have suffered from..the misery of an unable body. 1896 S. R. Crockett Grey Man iv He..was ever thereafter unable of his legs. in extended use.1601 R. Yarington Two Lamentable Trag. sig. B We do assure vs of your loue, And care to guide his weake vnhable youth, In pathes of knowledge.1607 T. Heywood Woman Kilde with Kindnesse sig. C2^v Sir I accept it, and remaine indebted Euen to the best of my vnable power. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022). † unablev. Forms: Also Middle English unabyl, 1500s unabill; Middle English–1500s unhable. Etymology: un- prefix² 1d(c), or < unable adj. Obsolete. 1. a. transitive. To render unable, to unfit or incapacitate, to do something. Sometimes spec. in Law: To make legally incapable. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > inability > render unable [verb (transitive)] unablec1380 unablec1380 disable1548 lame1568 founder1590 disenable1604 discapacitate1660 incapacitate1666 uncapacitate1668 incapacify1683 dishabilitate1871 society > law > legal capacity > invest with legal status or capacity [verb (transitive)] > remove legal capacity unablec1380 disable1445 incapacitate1657 dishabilitate1662 c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. I. 147 Myche more shulde worldely lordship unable men now to take þis Goost. a1470 J. Hardyng Chron. clvii. iii This Edmond thelder soonne of Kyng Henry, Broke backed and bowbacked bore, Was vnabled to haue the monarche. c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 9423 He woundit hym wickedly in his wale face, And vnablit after with angur to fight. 1567 J. Jewel tr. J. Scotus Eriugena in Def. Apol. Churche Eng. ii. viii. 190 Then dooth it [sc. the vow of chastity] not of necessitie, and fine force, vnhable a man to contracte Matrimonie. 1613 A. Sherley Relation Trav. Persia 32 The eldest son of the King remained at the Court of his father, administring all that, which his fathers defect of light vnabled him to doe. 1640 W. Habington Hist. Edward IV 67 They..had been unabled to pay their usuall tribute to the King. 1774 O. Goldsmith Grecian Hist. I. vii. 207 Until both were utterly unabled to withstand the smallest efforts of foreign invasion. reflexive.c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 191 Þei vnablen hem self to do þe office of prestis.c1380 Eng. Wycliffite Serm. in Sel. Wks. II. 36 Þre ordris in Cristis tyme unabliden hem to be of þis rewme. b. Const. to (or of) an action, office, etc. ΚΠ a1395 W. Hylton Scala Perfeccionis (1494) ii. xv How louers of this worlde unable hem in dyuers maners to the refourmyng of her owne soule. a1470 Dives & Pauper (1496) i. xxxviii. 79/1 He sholde be pryued of his benefyce yf that he hadde ony. Yf he had no benefyce he sholde be unabled and dysposed therto. 1560 J. Knox Bk. Common Order (1901) 20 The crimes and vices that might unable them of the Ministry. 2. a. Without const.: To unfit or incapacitate, to deprive of ability or power, in some respect; to disable physically. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > ability > inability > render unable [verb (transitive)] unablec1380 unablec1380 disable1548 lame1568 founder1590 disenable1604 discapacitate1660 incapacitate1666 uncapacitate1668 incapacify1683 dishabilitate1871 the world > health and disease > ill health > injury > maiming or mutilation > maim or mutilate [verb (transitive)] wemc900 slaya1000 alithOE hamblea1050 belimbc1225 dismember1297 lamec1300 maimc1325 shearc1330 unablec1380 emblemishc1384 magglec1425 magc1450 demember1491 disablea1492 manglea1500 menyie?a1513 mayhem1533 mutilatec1570 martyr1592 stump1596 bemaim1605 cripplea1616 martyrize1615 deartuate1623 hamstring1641 becripple1660 limb1674 truncate1727 dislimb1855 c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. I. 105 Siþ he..wiþdrawiþ never his grace, but ȝif man unable him selfe. c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. I. 219 As distempour of þe eir shal sle men and unable þe erþe. ?c1450 in G. J. Aungier Hist. & Antiq. Syon Monastery (1840) 281 Whom euerychone and eche trespasyng in the premysses, we unable for euermore in the selfdede doyng. 1503 Rolls of Parl. VI. 547/1 To the use, profitte or behove of any persone or persones by this Acte not attaynted nor unabled. 1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis iii. 53 I through pangs vncoth vnhabled, With stutting stamering at leingth thus fumbled an aunswer. a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) 285 That old Leacher, worne out and unabled, though he dyed his haire black that he might seeme to be young. 1654 E. Gayton Pleasant Notes Don Quixot iii. v. 100 That is to say, with three hard words, un-mule, un-leg, and un-able, Alanso Lopez. b. To annul or cancel. rare. ΘΚΠ society > law > rule of law > illegality > render illegal [verb (transitive)] > deprive of legal validity abatea1325 squatcha1325 voida1325 allayc1325 annul1395 reverse1395 revokec1400 rupt?a1425 repealc1425 abroge1427 defeat1429 purloin1461 cassa1464 toll1467 resume1472 reprove1479 suspend1488 discharge1495 reduce1498 cassate1512 defease1512 denulla1513 disannula1513 fordoa1513 avoid1514–5 abrogate?1520 frustrate1528 revert1528 disaffirm?1530 extinct1530 resolve1537 null1538 nihilate1545 extinguish1548 elidec1554 revocate1564 annullate1570 squat1577 skaila1583 irritate1605 retex1606 nullify1607 unable1611 refix1621 vitiate1627 invalid1643 vacate1643 unlaw1644 outlaw1647 invalidate1649 disenact1651 vacuate1654 supersedec1674 destroy1805 break1891 1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. ix. xxi. 783/2 Hee prepared himselfe to make his Wil, wherein howsoeuer titles had been vnhabled in Parliaments, he ordained his three children to succeede each after others. Derivatives Obsolete. † unˈabling n. Obsolete ΘΚΠ society > law > legal capacity > [noun] > removing unabling1475 disablement1485 disabling1495 incapacitation1770 1475 Rolls of Parl. VI. 147/2 As if the said Acte of atteyndre or unablyng never had been made. 1503 Rolls of Parl. VI. 548. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online June 2021). < adj.c1380v.c1380
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