Skip to content

Dictionary-enhanced plural guide

What is the Plural of “Unable”?

This page treats the word as a noun when it has a countable noun use.

SingularunablePluralunables
Rule: regularIPA: /ʌnˈeɪbəl/

Singular and Plural Form of Unable

Unable is the singular noun form. Unables is the plural form.

Dictionary meaning: Not able to do something; lacking the capacity or possibility.

Why is the Plural of Unable “unables”?

The Regular Plural Rule for Unable

Most English nouns form the plural by adding -s. Example: unable → unables

How to Remember the Plural of Unable

Just add -s to “unable” to make “unables”. Most English nouns follow this pattern.

A common slip-up: Some say 'UN-able' with stress on first syllable; correct is un-AY-bul..

Singular vs Plural Examples with Unable

See unable and unables used in real sentences side by side.

  • I am unable to attend the meeting tomorrow. A1
  • The child was unable to reach the top shelf. A2
  • Despite numerous attempts, the team remained unable to solve the complex equation. B1

Common Plural Mistakes with Unable

Wrong: They was unable to finish the project.

Correct: They were unable to finish the project.

Plural subject requires 'were' not 'was'.

How to Pronounce Unable and Unables

Stress on second syllable: un-AY-bul. The 'a' is the long 'a' vowel sound.

Origin and Etymology of Unable

Prefix 'un-' (not) + 'able' (capable), from Latin 'habilis' (suitable).

Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Unable

What is the plural of “unable”?

The plural of “unable” is “unables”.

Is “unables” regular or irregular?

This page classifies it as regular based on the available plural data.

Explore “Unable” in Other Tools