unavailable

/ˌʌnəˈveɪləbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnəˈveɪləbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ə-ˈvā-lə-bəl/ (ame, mw)

unavailable — adjective

  • unavailablepositive
  • more unavailablecomparative
  • most unavailablesuperlative

1. used to describe a person who is busy with other activities and therefore cannot

1.形容詞B1
釋義

used to describe a person who is busy with other activities and therefore cannot speak with or meet people at a given time

例句

Noor was unavailable for an interview because she was in a meeting with clients.

unavailable + for + [purpose] (reason given)

The company director remained unavailable to the press for several days.

unavailable + to + [group of people]

同義詞
  • busy

    more general and less formal; can describe anyone occupied with any task

  • occupied

    slightly more formal, often used in workplace or phone contexts

  • tied up

    informal expression meaning too busy with something to see or talk to others

  • engaged

    British English, especially when someone is already on the phone or in a meeting

反義詞
  • available

    direct opposite; free to meet or talk

  • free

    informal, common in casual conversation

文法句型

unavailable + for + [purpose]

unavailable + to + [person or group]

remain / be / become + unavailable

用法筆記

Frequently appears with the prepositions 'for' (stating what the person cannot do) and 'to' (stating who cannot reach them). Unlike 'busy', which can describe any activity, 'unavailable' specifically refers to being unreachable for contact or meetings.

常見錯誤

❌The boss was unavailable in his office all morning.
✅The boss was not in his office all morning.
💡'unavailable' does not mean physically absent; it means the person cannot meet or talk even if they are present.

2. used to describe an item, service, or resource that people are unable to get, bu

2.形容詞B1
釋義

used to describe an item, service, or resource that people are unable to get, buy, or use at the current moment

例句

The book Élise wanted was unavailable at every library in the city.

Fresh water became unavailable after the earthquake damaged the pipes.

became unavailable (change of state after an event)

同義詞
  • out of stock

    specific to shop products that are temporarily sold out

  • unobtainable

    more formal and emphatic, suggests it is impossible to get

  • inaccessible

    focuses on physical or system barriers preventing access

  • sold out

    used when all copies or tickets have been bought

反義詞
  • available

    direct opposite; able to be obtained or used

  • in stock

    specific to shops or inventories

  • accessible

    able to be reached, used, or obtained

文法句型

be + unavailable + for + [purpose]

be + unavailable + to + [person or group]

become / remain + unavailable

用法筆記

Commonly used in retail, service, and logistics contexts. Unlike 'out of stock', which only applies to shop items, 'unavailable' can describe any resource (water, data, flights, services). It usually implies the item or service exists but is temporarily not accessible, rather than permanently gone.

常見錯誤

❌That colour of car was unavailable in this brand.' (when the brand has never made that colour)
✅That colour is not offered in this brand.
💡'unavailable' suggests the item normally exists but is temporarily out of reach; use 'not offered' or 'does not come in' for permanent absence.