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
Louis Thuillier was distraught by his inability to know the plight of his subjects; to view the photographs from the distance of a century can imbue the viewer with a similar melancholy.
—
Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
Stevenson should be able to take advantage of Zepeda's inability to stave off jabs.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
What’s maddening is Gunn’s inability to let his characters sit in discomfort.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 11 July 2025
There’s been a particular fixation from the outside on his inability to pull the ball in the air.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 13 July 2025
Stevenson should be able to take advantage of Zepeda's inability to stave off jabs.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
What’s maddening is Gunn’s inability to let his characters sit in discomfort.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 11 July 2025
There’s been a particular fixation from the outside on his inability to pull the ball in the air.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 9 July 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 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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