easy
Nora was able to zip her coat by herself.
What does Able mean?
Able means you can do something or have what you need to try it.
Dictionary definition
Having the skill, power, or chance to do something.
Example sentences
Able in a sentence
medium
The class was able to finish the project before lunch.
hard
With practice, Malik was able to explain his answer clearly.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice able in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Able
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does able mean?
The correct answer matches the definition: you can do something or have what you need to try it.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to able?
Capable is close in meaning to able in this dictionary entry.
Practice 3
Which word is an antonym of able?
Unable contrasts with able in this dictionary entry.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Able
Voice settings
Sounds like
ay · bul · strongest beat: ay
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordAble.
Partadjective.
MeaningAble means you can do something or have what you need to try it.
ExampleExample: Nora was able to zip her coat by herself.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- ay · bul
- Strongest beat
- ay
- Ending
- bul
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on ay.
Your turn
Say Able
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Nice work—you practiced able.
Synonyms
Words like Able
Antonyms
Opposite words
unableUse when someone cannot do something.
helplessUse when someone needs help and cannot act alone.
Synonym practice
Want to practice able synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The student was able to solve the puzzle," then compare close word choices. Practice able synonyms.
Word family
Able word family
Base word
able
adjective
abler
More able.
adjective
ablest
Most able.
noun
ability
The skill or power to do something.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Able
Hint for students
Able means you can do something or have what you need to try it.
Common mix-up
Able is not the same as unable. Able means able means you can do something or have what you need to try it.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The class was able to finish the project before lunch. Clue words: class, finish, project. Underline clue words that show why able fits instead of unable. Now write one new sentence that shows able without using the word able. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show able?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The class was able to finish the project before lunch." Why does able fit better than unable?
Learning activities
Practice Able and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice ABLE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice ABLE
Sentence Builder
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Context Clue Challenge
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