unable to process

USAGE SUMMARY

"unable to process" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something cannot be done because it cannot be completed, understood, or accepted. For example: "The computer was unable to process the command due to an internal error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sorry, we are still unable to process your request.

The New Yorker

We are unable to process your request at this time.

Harvard Business Review

Unfortunately, we are unable to process refunds after that date.

University of California, Berkeley

But Herb was unable to process any of this.

The Washington Post

The umbrella company have admitted they were mislead and now are unable to process an application.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unable to process her complex feelings for Dick, Chris decides to write him a letter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The site displays a message that says: "We are currently unable to process your transaction.

The New York Times

"I'm still somewhat unable to process these whole events," said Mayor David Roberts of Hoboken.

The New York Times

We were unable to process any prescriptions for patients, including urgent requests.

The Guardian - Tech

The CSS Profile is unable to process payments from their country.

Harvard University

We are unable to process room changes for current residents November 1st -February 1st.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to process", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the inability to process, such as system errors, lack of resources, or cognitive limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to process" without specifying the reason. Instead of saying "We are unable to process your request", state "We are unable to process your request due to a system outage."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to process" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a lack of capability or capacity to handle or understand something, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to process" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a lack of capacity to handle or understand something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the cause of the inability to process. Alternatives include "cannot handle" and "failed to process". While generally neutral to formal, the specific wording around it can shift its tone. This phrase serves to inform about limitations or failures, suggesting that the user seek alternative solutions or explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of processing

Emphasizes a lack of inherent capacity to handle the process.

cannot handle

Highlights the inability to manage or deal with something.

failed to process

Indicates a past attempt to process that was unsuccessful.

not able to handle

Similar to cannot handle, but with a slightly more formal tone.

cannot complete

Focuses on the inability to finish or finalize a process.

unfit to manage

Suggests a lack of suitability for handling a particular process.

beyond capacity to process

Highlights that the process exceeds the available resources or abilities.

unable to execute

Focuses on the inability to carry out or perform a process.

cannot fulfill

Emphasizes the inability to meet the requirements of a request or process.

in a deadlock

Indicates a situation where progress is impossible due to conflicting processes.

FAQs

What does "unable to process" mean?

The phrase "unable to process" means that something or someone is incapable of handling, understanding, or completing a specific task or request.

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

You can use "unable to process" to describe situations where a system, person, or organization cannot handle a particular task. For example, "The system is currently unable to process your payment" or "He was "unable to process" the information due to the shock."

What are some alternatives to "unable to process"?

Some alternatives to "unable to process" include "cannot handle", "failed to process", or "incapable of processing". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unable to process" or "cannot process"?

"Unable to process" and "can not process" are often interchangeable, but "unable to process" can sound slightly more formal. The choice depends on the desired tone of your writing.