past tense could /kəd/ /ˈkʊd/ existing tense for both of those singular and plural can destructive are unable to /ˈkænɑt/ /kəˈnɑːt/ Brit /ˈkænət/ or are unable to /ˈkænt/ Brit /ˈkɑːnt/ Britannica Dictionary definition of CAN [modal verb] 1  : to be able to (do some thing) I don't need any aid. I am able toI had been experiencing