inability
noun
in·abil·i·ty
ˌi-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē 
: lack of sufficient power, resources, or capacity
my 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
My inability filled me with despair.
—
Nicholas Dawidoff, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
Behind all the cheerful fanfare, holidays can be bitter pills to swallow, reminders of absence and lack and an inability to live up to all that happy hyperbole.
—Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 9 May 2026
The inability to provide adequate oxygen and remove CO₂ from the air would lead first to confusion, panic and eventually the loss of consciousness.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 May 2026
No wonder so many recent graduates are lighting up social media with posts about the difficulties of finding a job in their field, the crushing burden of paying off big loans, and the increasing inability to get by, much less thrive.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
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Nicholas Dawidoff, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
Behind all the cheerful fanfare, holidays can be bitter pills to swallow, reminders of absence and lack and an inability to live up to all that happy hyperbole.
—Felicia Feaster, AJC.com, 9 May 2026
The inability to provide adequate oxygen and remove CO₂ from the air would lead first to confusion, panic and eventually the loss of consciousness.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 8 May 2026
No wonder so many recent graduates are lighting up social media with posts about the difficulties of finding a job in their field, the crushing burden of paying off big loans, and the increasing inability to get by, much less thrive.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inability
Cite this Entry
“Inability.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inability. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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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