couldn

could-n't · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Contraction of "could not": was not able to.

  2. 2.

    Expressing impossibility.

  3. 3.

    Negative past ability.

  4. 4.

    Polite refusal or inability.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    couldn't care less — completely indifferent
  • •
    couldn't help it — was unable to prevent
  • •
    couldn't agree more — strongly agree
  • •
    couldn't be better — in the best condition
  • •
    couldn't believe — was astonished

Related words

Antonyms: could
See also: cannot, cant, could, wouldn't
Synonyms: could not, was not able to, was unable to

Etymology

Contraction of "could not," from Old English "cuþe" (past tense of cunnan, to be able) + "not."