unable to comply

USAGE SUMMARY

"unable to comply" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone is not able to do something that they have been asked to do. For example, "I'm sorry but I'm unable to comply with your request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some hospitals, unable to comply, banned vaginal birth after Caesarean.

The New York Times - Health

Even European government Web sites have been unable to comply.

The New York Times

Google has maintained that it is unable to comply with broad injunctions.

The New York Times - Tech

Ms. Connor said many Caduceus patients were unable to comply with Medi-Cal's identification requirements.

The New York Times

The crew said they were unable to comply, possibly due to weather.

The Guardian

On Sundays it is "Judge not the preacher", an instruction I am unable to comply with.

The Guardian - Books

They perceive themselves as unable to comply, as being surrounded by a pack of wolves".

The New York Times

He said they no longer feared that the industry would be unable to comply with the measure.

The New York Times

Armstrong is believed to have said that he is unable to comply with the timescale set down by Usada.

The Guardian - Sport

The act requires that states provide ballots at least 45 days before an election, or obtain a waiver if they are unable to comply.

The New York Times

This year, another major carrier experienced interruptions ranging from nine days to six weeks and was unable to comply with 14 wiretap orders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "unable to comply". In formal settings, use more specific and detailed explanations, while in informal settings, a simpler explanation may suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to comply" as a blanket statement without providing any context or explanation. Always provide a reason for the inability to comply to maintain transparency and professionalism. This will prevent misinterpretations or assumptions about the reason for non-compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to comply" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of being incapable of meeting a requirement or following a directive. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

35%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unable to comply" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate an inability to meet a requirement or follow a directive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is used across various contexts, including news, science, and business, with a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context for the inability to comply, avoiding vague statements. Related phrases include "cannot adhere to" and "incapable of complying", offering nuanced alternatives. While versatile, ensure the phrase aligns with the intended meaning, distinguishing between inability and refusal. With an expert rating of 4.5, "unable to comply" is a reliable and widely accepted expression in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Incapable of complying

Focuses on the inherent lack of capacity to meet requirements, differing slightly in emphasizing the lack of capability.

Cannot adhere to

Emphasizes the inability to stick to or follow a rule or guideline.

Cannot conform to

Highlights the impossibility of aligning with set standards or expectations.

Not able to adhere to

Expresses a lack of ability to stick to rules or guidelines.

Cannot fulfill

Focuses on the failure to satisfy a specific requirement or obligation.

Prevented from complying

Highlights external factors obstructing compliance rather than inherent inability.

Restrained from complying

Suggests external constraints that hinder the action of complying.

Prohibited from complying

Emphasizes a formal ban or restriction on the act of compliance.

Cannot meet the requirements

Highlights the inability to fulfill specific requirements.

Deficient in complying

Highlights lacking something in the process of complying

FAQs

What does "unable to comply" mean?

The phrase "unable to comply" means that someone or something is not able to follow a rule, request, or order. It indicates an inability to meet specific requirements or expectations.

How can I use "unable to comply" in a sentence?

You can use "unable to comply" in a sentence like this: "The company is "prevented from complying" with the new environmental regulations due to outdated equipment."

What are some alternative phrases to "unable to comply"?

Some alternative phrases to "unable to comply" include "cannot adhere to", "incapable of complying", or "cannot meet the requirements", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unable to comply" or "refuse to comply"?

The choice between "unable to comply" and "refuse to comply" depends on the situation. "Unable to comply" suggests a lack of ability, while "refuse to comply" indicates a deliberate choice not to follow a rule or request. Use the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.