as in incapability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the apparent inability of young children to sit still
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of inability
Wright was never known as a pure backup point guard, but his inability to generate offense for others has been alarming in his first 20-plus games with Milwaukee.
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Brian Sampson, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
At the time, Turner and Nist attributed their breakup to an inability to agree on a place to settle down, as the two live near their families in Indiana and New Jersey, respectively.
—Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024
On the other hand, leaders who micromanage excessively can create toxic workplaces, because their inability to delegate can reduce efficiency and signal a lack of trust in their employees.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Much has been made about the Terps’ inability to limit the passing attack — because of a young and inexperienced secondary.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inability 
Brian Sampson, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
At the time, Turner and Nist attributed their breakup to an inability to agree on a place to settle down, as the two live near their families in Indiana and New Jersey, respectively.
—Gabriella Rudy, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024
On the other hand, leaders who micromanage excessively can create toxic workplaces, because their inability to delegate can reduce efficiency and signal a lack of trust in their employees.
—Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
Much has been made about the Terps’ inability to limit the passing attack — because of a young and inexperienced secondary.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
Noun
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These snug garments were once used primarily in medical contexts to improve circulation, especially in people with damage to their leg veins (say, due to a condition called chronic venous insufficiency).Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024
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Renal insufficiency refers to a state in which the kidneys are not functioning at their full capacity.Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
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The researchers studied the reactions of 74 dogs, which were of different ages and breeds, to different levels of competence or incompetence.Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
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Still a face of incompetence, to be sure, but ahead of his time nonetheless.Blake Toppmeyer, The Tennessean, 19 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The federal incompetency fine constitutional amendment This is a measure to help reduce political gridlock.Gary Franks, Boston Herald, 20 Jan. 2024
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Brown signed an incompetency finding last Wednesday.Skye Seipp, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near inability
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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