inability

noun

in·​abil·​i·​ty ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity

his inability to do math

Synonyms

• impotence
• inadequacy
• incapability
• incapacity
• incompetence
• incompetency
• ineptitude
• insufficiency
• powerlessness

Examples of inability in a Sentence

She has shown an inability to concentrate.

the inability of the government to cope with the problem

Recent Examples on the Web

Is your partner’s inability to live up to their words eroding your love? —Mark Travers, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Your inability to establish a rational, functional and legal system of immigration is an abject failure on your part. —Peter Cunningham, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025

This inability to fail brought me great success, but also brought extreme burnout and more fear than joy. —Jack Irvin, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025

Cause of Death in Lymphoma Patients Death from lymphoma often results either from the body’s inability to fight infections or severe organ failure. —Gagandeep Brar, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English inhabilite disqualification, from Medieval Latin inhabilitas, from Latin in- + habilitas ability

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

Kids Definition

inability

noun

in·​abil·​i·​ty ˌin-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

: lack of ability, power, or means

his inability to carry a tune