can't even

English

Etymology

An aposiopesis of "(I) can't even believe it", "can't even process it" or some comparable expression.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkænt ˌiːvən/, /ˈkɑːnt ˌiːvən/

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Verb

can't even (third-person singular simple present can't even, no present participle, simple past couldn't even, no past participle)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see can’t,‎ even.

   He’s nine years old, and can’t even tie his own shoelaces!

2. (slang) Without a following verb, as an expression of aporia: to be unable to express one's feelings about an overwhelming situation.

   Oh my God, I got cheap tickets to the Beyoncé concert! I can’t even!

See also

• I can't
• unable to can

Further reading

• “I can’t even”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.