can't
Not able to
Can't is the contraction of cannot, expressing inability or impossibility: I can't reach the top shelf, You can't be serious.
It also conveys prohibition or refusal: You can't park here, I can't let you do that.
In casual speech, can't often softens won't: I can't make it tonight may mean unwillingness rather than true inability.
Lacking necessary capacity
- incapableLacking requisite ability
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
- helplessUnable to act independently
- impotentLacking power or efficacy
unequipped · unqualified · incompetent · lack · deficient · inadequate · unfit · ineffectual
Past inability marker
Contraction showing refusal
unwilling · no way · absolutely not · never · nope · no chance · forget it · count me out
Not allowed
- prohibitedOfficially not permitted
- not allowedForbidden from doing
- bannedOfficially disallowed
- barredBlocked from entry
restricted · off-limits · impermissible · taboo · unauthorized · disallowed · illegal · unlawful
Impossible to acquire
- unachievableCannot be accomplished
- infeasibleNot capable of achievement
- hopelessBeyond possibility of success
- insurmountableImpossible to overcome
unrealizable · impracticable · unworkable · undoable · unrealistic · out of the question · inconceivable · unthinkable
unable
Lacking necessary capacity
- incapableLacking requisite ability
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
- helplessUnable to act independently
impotent · unequipped · unqualified · incompetent · lack · deficient · inadequate · unfit · ineffectual · impossible
couldn't
Past inability marker
must not · mustn't · mightn't · need not · needn't · ain't · cain't
won't
Contraction showing refusal
deny · unwilling · no way · absolutely not · never · nope · no chance · forget it · count me out · over my dead body
forbidden
Not allowed
- prohibitedOfficially not permitted
- not allowedForbidden from doing
- bannedOfficially disallowed
barred · restricted · off-limits · impermissible · taboo · unauthorized · disallowed · illegal · unlawful · against the rules
unattainable
Impossible to acquire
- unachievableCannot be accomplished
- infeasibleNot capable of achievement
- hopelessBeyond possibility of success
insurmountable · unrealizable · impracticable · unworkable · undoable · unrealistic · out of the question · inconceivable · unthinkable · no way
- can't waitEager anticipation expressed
- trash canContainer for refuse
- I can'tExpression of inability
- can't standStrongly dislike, find intolerable
- garbage canContainer for refuse
- can openerTool for accessing canned goods
can, canned, cannot, cans, canny, canning, uncanny, recant, cant