inability

noun

in·​abil·​i·​ty ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity

my inability to do math

Synonyms of inability

• 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

The inability to do so has cost Engelbert during her latter years. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Venezuela’s problem has not been a shortage of economists capable of designing sophisticated monetary and fiscal regimes, but its inability to follow strict rules in good times and bad. — Steve H. Hanke, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

China’s inability to obtain semiconductors from the United States has forced it to strengthen its own chip industry. — Da Wei, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2026

The pain of his inability to speak about the tangle of anger and shame gnawing at him is palpable. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English inhabilite disqualification, from Medieval Latin inhabilitas, from Latin in- + habilitas ability

First Known Use

1500, 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