cannot

Is unable to

Cannot is the fusion of the two simple words can and not.

It is always equivalent to, though often more formal than, can’t.

When the two words occur together they are always joined unless there is a particular reason to give emphasis to one and not the other.

This holds true in both writing and speaking.

The choice to use cannot rather than can’t is usually stylistic.

inability

unable

Lacking necessary capacity

incapableLacking requisite ability
powerlessLacking strength or authority
helplessUnable to act independently

unequipped · unqualified · incompetent · inept · lacking · deficient · handicapped · disabled · impaired · limited

impossibility

impossible

Incapable of occurring

unachievableCannot be accomplished
unattainableImpossible to acquire
infeasibleNot capable of achievement

insurmountable · hopeless · futile · unworkable · impracticable · unrealizable · undoable · inconceivable · unthinkable · out of reach

prohibition

forbidden

Not allowed

prohibitedOfficially not permitted
bannedOfficially disallowed
barredBlocked from entry

disallowed · restricted · off-limits · taboo · impermissible · outlawed · vetoed · proscribed · embargo · moratorium

Categories

refusalsno, decline, no thanks, refuse, nope
negativesno, not, never, none, nothing
modalscould, may, might, must, shall
Singlishlah, meh, ah, eh, oi
Manglishlah, mah, meh, wah, chop
signsstop sign, sign, signs, road sign, exit

Opposites

ability/capability

cannotcan

Cylindrical metal container

is able to · may · could · able · might

Phrases

canned foodPreserved edibles in tins
cannot seeUnable to perceive visually
cannot helpLack ability to prevent
canned tunaPreserved ocean fish
canned goodsFood sealed in tins
canned soupPreserved broth in metal

Family

canned, canning, canner, canners

Familiarity: Top 250
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G