inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
his inability to do math
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 they have been slowed by the COVID pandemic, cost increases due to inflation, permitting delays and other problems, including the inability of local water agencies sponsoring them to come up with all of the matching funds.
—
Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
The Panthers understood that liberation and empowerment could only come through communal love focused on helping one’s neighbors and building up one’s community, even though their inability to live up to their ideals ultimately limited some of the group’s potential.
—Mickell Carter / Made By History, TIME, 19 Feb. 2025
The inability of Mets first baseman Pete Alonso to secure a long-term deal with a career OPS+ 34 percent above league average perhaps stands as a warning sign for Guerrero.
—Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
One ingredient was Iowa’s sudden inability to make shots.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
The Panthers understood that liberation and empowerment could only come through communal love focused on helping one’s neighbors and building up one’s community, even though their inability to live up to their ideals ultimately limited some of the group’s potential.
—Mickell Carter / Made By History, TIME, 19 Feb. 2025
The inability of Mets first baseman Pete Alonso to secure a long-term deal with a career OPS+ 34 percent above league average perhaps stands as a warning sign for Guerrero.
—Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
One ingredient was Iowa’s sudden inability to make shots.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inability. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌin-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
: lack of ability, power, or means
his inability to carry a tune
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