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

With evolving attitudes toward drug policy, particularly the legalization and normalization of cannabis, businesses must acknowledge that past drug convictions do not equate to an inability to succeed professionally. —Summer Westerbur, Rolling Stone, 27 Jan. 2025

The inability of Meta's META.O AI chatbot to identify the current president of the United States was elevated to urgent status by the Facebook owner this week, requiring a fast fix, a person familiar with the issue said. —Katie Paul, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025

Same taste, same quality, same ability—or inability—to survive for generations. —Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025

After the game, Ruff was frustrated with the Sabres’ inability to win battles. —Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 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

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