unable to unlock

USAGE SUMMARY

"unable to unlock" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a situation where someone cannot access or open something, such as a device or a door. Example: "I am unable to unlock my phone because I forgot the password." Alternative expressions include "cannot unlock" and "incapable of unlocking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The agency said that it was unable to unlock the iPhone 5C without Apple's assistance.

The New Yorker

There is talk of extending it again, but without an agreement in place, Greece would still be unable to unlock €7.2 billion of desperately needed aid.

The Economist

"If you don't have enough of these animals in our care and don't have enough to extend that for more decades," Mr. Hurley said, the aquarium will be unable to unlock "the secrets these animals hold".

The New York Times - Science

Investigators recovered Farook's iPhone after the attack and, while they were able to access some of the phone's data that was backed up, they were unable to unlock the device.

The Washington Post

However, it has been unable to unlock the next loan instalment after clashing with its creditors over more reforms.

BBC

City increased their pressure on the Hibs goal after the interval but were still unable to unlock their defence until Fishlock's late corner finally led to the breakthrough.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Smoke was so thick that rescuers were unable even to unlock their cells, the authorities said.

The New York Times

Eight inmates were killed when a cramped, outmoded jail here erupted in flames on Friday night, billowing smoke so thick that rescuers were unable even to unlock the prisoners' cells, the authorities said.

The New York Times

The third phone, however, was unable to be unlocked, the affidavit said.

Los Angeles Times

The FBI has been unable on its own to unlock the phone and wants Apple to create a program specifically for that phone to help the bureau get to the data on it.

Los Angeles Times

Valentine has acknowledged that he was unable to find the key to unlock the lineup's latent talent.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unable to unlock" when you want to clearly state the lack of ability to access something, whether it's a physical object, a digital device, or an abstract concept. Be specific about what is "unable to unlock" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to unlock" excessively in passive constructions. Instead of saying "The data was unable to be unlocked by the technician", a more direct and active phrasing like "The technician was unable to unlock the data" often improves clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to unlock" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, followed by an infinitive verb. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is used to express the lack of ability or capability to perform the action of unlocking something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unable to unlock" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the lack of ability to access or open something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly found in news and media, as well as in technical and security contexts. While alternatives like "cannot access" and "could not open" exist, "unable to unlock" offers a formal option suitable for professional communication. Remember to use it actively for clearer writing and to specify what exactly is "unable to unlock" to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incapable of unlocking

Uses a more formal tone to express the lack of ability.

not able to access

A more direct and simple way of saying "unable to unlock".

cannot access

Focuses on the inability to gain entry or use.

failed to unlock

Emphasizes the unsuccessful attempt to unlock.

could not open

Highlights the failure to open something physically or digitally.

prevented from accessing

Indicates an external barrier to access.

locked out of

Highlights the state of being prevented from entering or accessing.

denied access to

Focuses on the refusal or withholding of access.

without the key to access

Highlights the lack of a necessary element for unlocking.

unauthorized to unlock

Emphasizes the lack of permission or authorization.

FAQs

What does "unable to unlock" mean?

The phrase "unable to unlock" signifies the lack of capacity or permission to open, access, or reveal something that is locked or secured. It can apply to physical objects, digital devices, or even abstract concepts.

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

You can use "unable to unlock" to describe situations where someone or something cannot gain access. For example, "The FBI was unable to unlock the terrorist's phone" or "The historian was unable to unlock the secrets of the ancient artifact".

What are some alternatives to "unable to unlock"?

Alternatives include "cannot access", "could not open", or "incapable of unlocking", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "unable to unlock" or "can't unlock"?

"Unable to unlock" is generally considered more formal than "can't unlock". "Can't unlock" is a contraction and is more suitable for informal settings. For formal writing or professional communication, "unable to unlock" is usually preferred.