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

Besides faulty lactose digestion, nonwhite bodies were accused of other failures, too, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, an inability to digest alcohol quickly. — Hilary Smith, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026

Officials said the steep terrain and the inability for the climbers to safely dismount prompted a helicopter rescue technician to be lowered to assist the first victim. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026

The inability of conservatives to break the opposition once and for all persuaded the establishment to try to cut deals with Thaksin’s Pheu Thai Party instead. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026

In Europe too, there is a fear that farmers in Russia, Ukraine and beyond will not plant much this winter because of profitability concerns and an inability to get financing, trade and agriculture analyst Noel Fryer told CNBC. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 21 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