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nālaṁ

nāla

nominative singular neuter; or accusative singular neuter

1. not able to
2. unfit for
3. incapable of

Built from

• nā- — prefix · not, without
  Plain negation (a- + euphonic n-). Removes the sense of capability or fitness.
• ala — root · capable, able
  The concrete sense is strength or readiness to act; here negated to express incapacity or unfitness.
• -ṁ — ending · nominative/accusative neuter singular
  The neuter form allows the word to function as an impersonal predicate or adverbial accusative meaning 'it is not fit/capable'.

Analysis. a- (not, without) + √āla (to be capable); nālaṁ functions adverbially as 'it is not fit/capable' and governs an infinitive or accusative of the action

Etymology. a- (negation) + √āla (capable, able); compare Sanskrit ala (capable). The root expresses potential or strength to perform an action.

Meanings from the Digital Pāḷi Dictionary; morphology and etymology by Claude.

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