verb
cannot
The negative form of can: to be unable or not allowed to do something.
She cannot open the jar with her injured hand.
Etymology
Old English cunnan connected knowing with being able to do something. Adding not denies that ability or, in a permission context, denies that the action is allowed.
More examples
- Visitors cannot enter the laboratory without permission.
- I cannot hear you over the traffic.
- The missing key cannot be far away.
Similar words
- can't
- The contracted form used especially in informal speech.
- may not
- Often expresses prohibition or uncertainty rather than inability.