169 Another Word for Cannot? – Cannot Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say cannot differently? Here are other words for cannot and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of cannot

The primary meaning of the word "cannot" is to indicate an inability or lack of power to do something.

Etymology of cannot

The word "cannot" is a contraction of "can not", with "can" derived from the Old English word "cunnan", meaning "to know" or "to be able", and "not" derived from the Old English word "nott", meaning "not" or "none".
The word has been in use since the 14th century, initially as two separate words, and later as a contracted form.

Synonyms

cannot can't unable incapable powerless helpless ineffectual ineffective useless futile unproductive unsuccessful inept incompetent unskilled unqualified unfit unsuitable inadequate insufficient limited restricted hindered obstructed blocked impeded prevented prohibited forbidden refused denied rejected unsuccessful unavailing bootless fruitless hopeless impossible impracticable infeasible unrealizable unachievable unattainable

Definitions

  • Used to indicate that something is not possible or is impossible for someone to do.
  • Used to indicate a lack of ability, power, or strength to perform an action.
  • Used to indicate that something is not permitted or is forbidden.

Usage Examples

  • I cannot attend the meeting today due to illness.
  • She cannot speak French fluently, but she can understand it.
  • They cannot afford to buy a new car, so they will have to save up.

Antonyms

can able capable competent skilled qualified fit suitable adequate sufficient unlimited unrestricted unhindered unobstructed unimpeded permitted allowed authorized enabled empowered facilitated assisted helped supported successful effective productive fruitful hopeful possible practicable feasible realizable achievable attainable

Related Adjectives

unable incapable powerless helpless ineffectual ineffective useless futile unproductive unsuccessful inept incompetent unskilled unqualified unfit unsuitable inadequate insufficient limited restricted hindered obstructed impeded prevented prohibited forbidden refused denied rejected impossible impracticable infeasible

Related Nouns

disability inability incapacity powerlessness helplessness ineffectiveness uselessness futility unproductiveness incompetence unskilledness unfitness unsuitability inadequacy insufficiency limitation restriction hindrance obstruction impediment prevention prohibition refusal denial rejection failure impossibility impracticability infeasibility

Related Verbs

disable incapacitate hinder obstruct impede prevent prohibit refuse deny reject fail weaken enfeeble cripple paralyze debilitate incapacitate disqualify unfit unsuit inadequately insufficiently limit restrict block bar forbid disallow debar exclude
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