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

But the trauma of my infant daughter’s death, coupled with my own inability to process the accompanying grief, poured gas on the flames of my steadily progressing addiction. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2024

Annoyed, even, by his total inability to take action in his life. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 June 2024

Right now, however, officials say Ukraine’s inability to deter Russian glide bomb attacks is the main shortcoming in the otherwise effective U.S. policy change. —Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 21 June 2024

Still, Nyong’o didn’t let her inability to speak keep her from hitting Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour. —Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024

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

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