inability

noun

in·​abil·​i·​ty ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity

his inability to do math

Synonyms

• incapability
• insufficiency
• incompetence
• incompetency

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

Part of the scene’s inability to keep the conveyor belt of stars rolling is that the infrastructure that built old Atlanta isn’t as strong, with gentrification and heavy policing uprooting the city’s cultural landscape. —Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2025

In April, Bill Owens, the executive producer of 60 Minutes, resigned, citing his inability to make decisions free from corporate control. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025

This challenge is exemplified in Huawei’s inability to move beyond the 7-nanometer technology, according to Bloomberg. —Owen Tedford, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

If not expressed in a way that sounds like blame-shifting or passing the buck, Harris could also address a major failure of her campaign: her inability to separate herself from Biden. —W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 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

Rhymes for inability

• affability
• audibility
• bistability
• capability
• changeability
• contractility
• credibility
• culpability
• disability
• disutility
• durability
• fallibility

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