as in incapability
the lack of sufficient ability, power, or means
the apparent inability of young children to sit still
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inability
Most of the trouble on this night came from starter Ryan Johnson’s inability to find the strike zone and the defense’s problems converting two plays that should have been made.
—
Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 31 Mar. 2026
There’s a funny visual gag revolving around Mario’s inability to draw.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2026
Rioux’s inability to keep up with the pace of the game and maintain endurance led Golden to consider when to put him in games, even when Florida’s lead was insurmontable.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Early in the pandemic, the inability to deploy reliable diagnostic testing left the nation unprepared at a critical moment.
—Charles J. Lockwood, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 31 Mar. 2026
There’s a funny visual gag revolving around Mario’s inability to draw.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 31 Mar. 2026
Rioux’s inability to keep up with the pace of the game and maintain endurance led Golden to consider when to put him in games, even when Florida’s lead was insurmontable.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Early in the pandemic, the inability to deploy reliable diagnostic testing left the nation unprepared at a critical moment.
—Charles J. Lockwood, STAT, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inability
Noun
-
Trump’s command of Congress owes to the incapability of many politicians to see beyond the next election.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Placental insufficiency, in which the organ fails to develop or function properly, is a leading cause of spontaneous preterm birth, experts say.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which prevents your pancreas from producing enough of the enzymes needed to digest carbs, proteins, and fats.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Investigators found widespread fraud and incompetence in the tax prep industry.—
Michelle Singletary,
Washington Post,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The state Board of Dentistry suspended Kamel, who was accused of incompetence after putting two patients through elaborate implant surgeries that failed, leading to painful infections.—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The reproduction of systemic racism occurs not simply through white denial but also through the promotion of cultural incompetency.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The District Attorney’s Office said a finding of incompetency does not dismiss the case or result in a defendant’s release, and that proceedings will resume if Mock is later deemed competent.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
16 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inability. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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