She couldn't study with the children chasing around the house. The banks had closed so I couldn't get any money out. I couldn't understand the directions on the packet. The car was so badly damaged …

Dec 5, 2016 · The meaning of COULDN'T is could not.

Do you want to practise using the modals could and couldn't in English? We can use could and couldn't to talk about abilities in the past. I could swim when I was four. She couldn't ride a bike when she …

Couldn't is the usual spoken form of 'could not'. Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Sep 21, 2025 · Explore the intricacies of 'couldn't,' its definitions, etymology, and various contextual uses. Learn the grammatic significance and common expressions involving this term.

You couldn't see a thing. If he has custody, she couldn't get the money. They both couldn't be there all the time. He's a big horse, but I couldn't make him carry the two of us in that terrain.

Pronouns contraction of could not. See care, contraction. " why couldn't he find it at the earliest/ sooner. – couldn’t it [even] be that we [even] agree? . . . . couldn't make Jane or herself amends for . . . . ..., …

couldn't definition: express inability to do something in the past. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like "I couldn't be better", "it …

Oct 23, 2025 · From could +‎ n’t. You couldn’t lend me a lighter, could you? ‘Would you like another drink?’ ‘No thanks, I couldn’t.’.

Couldn't definition: contraction of could not.. See examples of COULDN'T used in a sentence.