can't seem

can't seem (third-person singular simple present can't seem, past tense couldn't seem, with no infinitive, present participle, or past participle)

1. Seem to be unable.

   I can't seem to lift the box alone. Would you give me a hand, please?

2. Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see can't,‎ seem.

   You can't seem bored when you're at a job interview. If you are bored, hide it!

• (seem unable): Followed by to and an infinitive, as in the example sentence. It can be followed by to alone if the verb is understood, as in "You can't run even a mile?" ―"I can't seem to."

• casement, cæments, menacest