still unable

USAGE SUMMARY

'still unable' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has not yet been achieved, even after a period of time. For example: "Even after months of trying, we are still unable to find a solution to the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Woodhead is still unable to resist controversy.

The Guardian

He was lonely in Tokyo, still unable to make friends.

The New Yorker

Some 18,000 refugees are still unable to return home.

The Economist

Sorry, we are still unable to process your request.

The New Yorker

But I was still unable to reach my relatives there.

The New York Times

"J. . ." Tina says, still unable to picture it.

The Washington Post

And we are still unable to see it.

The Washington Post

Seven hours later, they were still unable to vote.

The Guardian

And here I am still unable to write about it.

The Guardian - Books

"Enough now!" He called, still unable to see the troublemaker.

The Guardian - Books

Torre said Justice is still unable to turn his head.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still unable" to clearly indicate that a previous attempt or expectation has not yet yielded the desired result. This is useful in reports, updates, and explanations where continuity is important.

Common error

Avoid using "still unable" in situations where the timeframe is unclear or the previous state isn't directly relevant. For instance, don't say "They are still unable to travel" without context indicating prior attempts or planned travel.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still unable" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject, indicating a continued state of lacking ability or capacity. It commonly appears after a linking verb such as "is", "are", or "was". Ludwig's examples illustrate its role in describing situations where a desired outcome hasn't been achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still unable" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the continuation of an inability to perform an action or achieve a result. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct and frequent usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research, highlights its broad applicability. While alternatives exist, "still unable" succinctly conveys a sense of ongoing limitation, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication. Pay attention to tense consistency and context when employing this phrase to ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains incapable

Emphasizes a persistent lack of capability.

continues to be unable

Highlights the ongoing nature of the inability.

has not yet been able to

Focuses on the absence of prior success.

is yet to achieve

Emphasizes the lack of accomplishment.

persists in being unable

Suggests a more stubborn or resistant inability.

is continually prevented from

Highlights external factors hindering ability.

has consistently failed to

Focuses on repeated unsuccessful attempts.

is continuously barred from

Suggests active prevention from performing an action.

finds oneself still lacking the capacity

A more formal way of expressing the same sentiment.

remains without the means to

Emphasizes a lack of resources or tools.

FAQs

How can I use "still unable" in a sentence?

"Still unable" indicates that something hasn't happened yet, despite prior attempts or expectations. For example, "After several attempts, they are "still unable" to reach a consensus."

What are some alternatives to "still unable"?

You can use phrases like "remains incapable", "continues to be unable", or "has not yet been able to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "still unable" or "not yet able"?

Both phrases are correct, but "still unable" emphasizes a lack of progress despite prior attempts or a continuing situation. "Not yet able" simply indicates that something hasn't happened so far without necessarily implying previous attempts.

What does "still unable" imply in a professional context?

In professional settings, "still unable" often indicates that a problem persists or a goal hasn't been met despite efforts. It prompts further investigation or alternative strategies to address the situation. For example: "We are "still unable" to resolve the technical issue despite our efforts."