Word
cannot
Phoneticscan·not, stress on the first syllable
/ˈkænɑt/
Definitions
01unable to
A1 · Beginner
v. to be unable to do something because of a lack of ability or power.
v. denotes a lack of physical or mental ability to perform an action. This form is more formal than the contraction 'can't'.
“I cannot swim very well, so I prefer to stay in the shallow water.”
“The patient cannot walk without assistance until the physical therapist confirms that the bone has fully healed.”
Pitfall
I can not go to the party.
I cannot go to the party.
In modern English, 'cannot' is written as one word. Only use 'can not' if the word 'not' belongs to a different phrase, like 'not only'.
02impossible
A2 · Elementary
v. used to say that something is not possible or cannot be true.
v. expresses logical impossibility or the certain conclusion that a state of affairs does not exist.
“It cannot be midnight already; I only just started my homework.”
“Given the current evidence, it cannot be argued that the project was a total failure, as several key targets were met.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03not allowed
A2 · Elementary Formal
v. used to say that someone is not permitted to do something.
v. denotes prohibition or the absence of permission to perform an action.
“You cannot park your car here because it is a private driveway.”
“Visitors cannot enter the laboratory without wearing protective clothing and a security badge.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cannot” in context.
Etymology
From can + not.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. cannot make it
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 3
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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