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

This could allow therapies that were previously ineffective — due to their inability to cross the blood-brain barrier to reach their target in the central nervous system — to directly target tissues. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 31 Dec. 2024

The players can’t duck the blame, either, as their season-long inability to play complementary football came to a head in the worst way. —James Boyd, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

One obvious issue is the 49ers’ inability to close out games, something that’s carried over from past playoff defeats to this season’s four NFC West defeats. —Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024

An undisputed factor has been California’s inability — or unwillingness — to compete with tax incentives offered by other states and countries. —Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 24 Dec. 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