can't

verb
UK: /kɑːnt/
US: /kænt/

  1. Short form of 'cannot'. Used to say that someone or something is not able to do something.

    1. I can't go to the party tonight because I'm busy.
    2. She can't believe she failed the test after studying so hard for weeks.

  2. Used to express disbelief or surprise that something is true.

    1. You can't be serious! Are you really moving to another country?
    2. I can't imagine why he would say something like that, it's so out of character.

  3. Used to refuse permission or to say that something is not allowed.

    1. You can't park your car here; it's a no-parking zone.
    2. The teacher said we can't use our phones during the exam, it's against the rules.

Synonyms

cannot
can't idiom

  1. A way to say you strongly disagree with an idea, plan, or way of behaving.

    1. I can't with his constant complaining; it's so annoying.
    2. She posted another selfie and I just can't with her anymore, I'm unfollowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "can't" in English means: Short form of 'cannot'. Used to say that someone or something is not able to do something., Used to express disbelief or surprise that something is true., Used to refuse permission or to say that something is not allowed..

The phonetic transcription of "can't" is /kɑːnt/ in British English and /kænt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "can't": cannot.

Example usage of "can't": "I can't go to the party tonight because I'm busy.". More examples on the page.