inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
his inability to do math
Synonyms
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
McAfee first had Belichick on Wednesday but failed to address the proverbial pachyderm in the room by not Bill about his inability to attracted a head coaching job.
—
Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2024
Despite the squeaky floors and the inability to knock down walls to make room for cameras, the location added a unique warmth to the production that provided an interesting juxtaposition to the dark concept.
—William Earl, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024
The condition begins with damage to the facial nerve, and symptoms include headache, tearing, inability to close the eye, the inability to control muscle movements of the face, including blinking and smiling, and even a possible loss of taste and sensitivity to sound.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 26 Apr. 2024
The voters who challenged Texas’ rules said the barriers younger voters can face to voting in person include lack of transportation, long lines, inability to find or access their polling place, and limited time off from work.
—USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024
But a bunch of factors, like inadequate insurance coverage or the inability to take time off work to see a doc, can get in the way, Dr. Porter says.
—Tatiana Walk-Morris, SELF, 22 Apr. 2024
Swift has sung before about her inability to get over things, but what’s even more painful is her inability to understand how other people can get over things.
—The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2024
The staggering energy costs have rocked residents and business owners, who are exasperated by the inability of state leaders and commissioners to ease their financial pain.
—Julie Lynem, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Asked what led to their split, the former couple confessed that the inability to cohabitate caused a rift.
—Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2024
Despite the squeaky floors and the inability to knock down walls to make room for cameras, the location added a unique warmth to the production that provided an interesting juxtaposition to the dark concept.
—William Earl, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024
The condition begins with damage to the facial nerve, and symptoms include headache, tearing, inability to close the eye, the inability to control muscle movements of the face, including blinking and smiling, and even a possible loss of taste and sensitivity to sound.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 26 Apr. 2024
The voters who challenged Texas’ rules said the barriers younger voters can face to voting in person include lack of transportation, long lines, inability to find or access their polling place, and limited time off from work.
—USA TODAY, 22 Apr. 2024
But a bunch of factors, like inadequate insurance coverage or the inability to take time off work to see a doc, can get in the way, Dr. Porter says.
—Tatiana Walk-Morris, SELF, 22 Apr. 2024
Swift has sung before about her inability to get over things, but what’s even more painful is her inability to understand how other people can get over things.
—The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2024
The staggering energy costs have rocked residents and business owners, who are exasperated by the inability of state leaders and commissioners to ease their financial pain.
—Julie Lynem, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024
Asked what led to their split, the former couple confessed that the inability to cohabitate caused a rift.
—Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inability.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near inability
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inability. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
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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