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

One root of these problems, Fersko-Weiss believed, was an inability to communicate frankly about what death and dying entailed. — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Industry leaders say its inability to cite casinos for violating federal law or force the emergency closure of unsafe facilities is particularly troubling. — Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Roughly speaking, there are three ways an older person could become malnourished, with the inability to afford food as the most obvious one, Lee said. — Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 2026

The authors of the Sierra Avalanche Center report noted their investigation was hampered by an inability to interview the survivors, including the one surviving guide. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 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