unable English · revision 4348

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=c. 1380}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ʌnˈeɪ.bəl/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed [[af|en|un-|able]] in Middle English,^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986)^(MWU 2024) perhaps modelled on Old French inhabile or Latin inhabilis.^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Not able, lacking the power to do something: about 1380 in the OED,^(OED 1989) the late 14th century in Etymonline, where it is first used of persons.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ In early use it also meant incompetent, inefficient, from 1395,^(OED 1989) and unfit or unqualified for a position, from about 1380, now obsolete.^(OED 1989) “Lacking physical strength”, weak, is from the 1570s,^(Etymonline) and in this sense it was later mainly Scottish:^(Hoad 1986) in Galloway a man shot in the thigh was “unable of his legs”.^(Wright 1898) A verb ''unable'', to make unfit or incapacitate, is also from about 1380, and is long rare.^(OED 1989)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 1380 – not able; also verb, to incapacitate.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1395 – incompetent.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1570s – physically weak.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Lacking the [[power]], means or [[authority]] to do something; not able.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # Lacking ability; [[incompetent]] or [[helpless]].^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[inability]]

+ * [[able]]

+ * [[disable]]

+ * [[enable]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}